Henry Ford Health Hospitals Add Infection-Fighting UV Tech to the Air

Wyandotte, Mich. – Fixtures that used to hold plain old lights are now helping in the infection control and prevention battle at Henry Ford Health hospitals. Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital and Henry Ford Jackson Hospital are installing UV Angel Clean Air™ technology, an air disinfection system that uses UV-C light to neutralize airborne pathogens. The Detroit-based health system aims to expand the technology to additional locations.

UV Angel Clean Air™ technology is placed in existing light fixtures in high volume areas such as main lobbies, emergency departments, inpatient units, and surgical services hallways. It supports existing infection prevention efforts by reducing exposure to airborne and surface pathogens.

“Air is the one thing we all share in every space, and clean air is as vital as the care we provide at the bedside,” said Renee Richards, Director of Performance Excellence and Quality at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, the first hospital to install the technology. “This advancement evolves our infection control strategy without disrupting care.”

UV Angel Clean Air™ is an air disinfection system that uses UV-C light to neutralize airborne pathogens. The UV Angel platform works continuously using advanced sensor systems, data analytics and ultraviolet light to safely inactivate viruses, bacteria, and fungi in the air and on surfaces. Air is pulled into a sealed high-intensity UV-C chamber where it neutralizes pathogens with up to 99.99% effectiveness. The treated air is then returned to the room. The units operate around the clock, independent of HVAC.

Proven effective in a wide range of healthcare settings, UV Angel Clean Air™ significantly enhances indoor air quality without any changes to existing cleaning protocols or added staffing.

In 2024, Henry Ford Innovations (HFI) secured a competitive $5 million state grant for Henry Ford Health to purchase and install the UV Angel technology. HFI fosters the health system’s collaborations with startups, corporations, and venture funds to drive healthcare innovation and improve patient outcomes.

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MEDIA CONTACT: mediarelations@hfhs.org