Full implementation of the Khamsin system at UHB NHS Foundation Trust
- Fruzsina Julianna David
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
The full implementation of Khamsin represents a significant step in modernising endoscope reprocessing, with measurable improvements in patient safety and operational efficiency.
Cleaning flexible endoscopes is a critical part of healthcare. While endoscopic examinations are essential for diagnosis and treatment, the proper pre-cleaning of these instruments before high-level disinfection is a complex, time-consuming, and delicate task. Until now, this process has largely relied on manual methods, which carry the risk of human error and potential infection. For more details on the background of these risks, see our May article.
A milestone in the United Kingdom’s endoscope cleaning practices
In 2025, a significant advancement was made in endoscope cleaning within the UK healthcare system: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) announced the full implementation of the Khamsin automated endoscope cleaning system across all relevant departments in its hospitals. This marks the first time an entire NHS trust has adopted the device following extensive evaluation and a trial period. The implementation follows a successful 18-month trial at Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham, where the device proved its effectiveness. Following this trial, Khamsin will now also be introduced in Heartlands Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Solihull Hospital.
The Khamsin automatic endoscope cleaning system
Khamsin is an automated cleaning system designed to replace the manual cleaning of flexible endoscopes entirely. The system uses ultrasonic technology to clean the external surfaces of the devices, while employing nanotechnology solutions for the internal channels.
During operation, the user simply places the endoscope into the device, starts the program, and the system automatically completes the full cleaning cycle, which takes approximately 20 minutes. The system cleans two endoscopes simultaneously in one cycle, meaning it can clean a single flexible endoscope in about 10 minutes.
Independent laboratory tests have shown that Khamsin effectively removes biofilm and microbial contamination, including resistant bacterial strains such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria pose a significant risk in hospital-acquired infections, so their efficient removal represents a major advancement for patient safety.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Aston University
The Khamsin endoscope cleaning device was developed as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Aston University and PFE Medical. A KTP is a formal collaboration between industry and academia designed to develop innovative solutions to practical challenges by combining academic research excellence with industrial expertise.
The collaboration involved close work between PFE Medical and Aston University on the design, testing, and validation of the cleaning system. This structured partnership enabled thorough clinical evaluation and independent testing, which were essential for gaining trust and acceptance in the clinical environment.
This project illustrates how collaboration between industry and academia can support the development of medical technology. Aston University’s research teams contributed with scientific rigor to the system’s development, while PFE Medical’s industrial experience ensured practical applicability and successful market introduction.
The significance of the full implementation of the Khamsin
The decision by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust to fully implement the Khamsin system marks a unique milestone in the history of endoscope cleaning. This is not only a technological development, but also a change in established processes.
Several factors supported this decision: improving patient safety, reducing manual workload, standardising cleaning procedures, and enhancing operational efficiency.
This implementation also serves as a practical reference point for other healthcare institutions considering similar systems.
Benefits of the system
The trial at Good Hope Hospital demonstrated that Khamsin is significantly more efficient than manual endoscope cleaning. It was found to clean scopes considerably faster than manual methods, reducing the risk of contamination and improving operational efficiency. PFE Medical estimates that Khamsin can save the trust around £1 per clean. With about 140,000 endoscopies conducted annually across UHB, this represents an annual saving of approximately £140,000.
However, full implementation also presents challenges. Integrating automated systems into existing processes requires careful planning, staff training, and continuous monitoring.
Other benefits include:
Patient Safety: Effective removal of biofilm and harmful bacteria.
Time Efficiency: Shorter cleaning cycles and simultaneous processing of devices.
Workforce Efficiency: Less manual labour and reduced physical strain for staff.
Environmental Impact: Reduced use of disposable equipment and less plastic waste.
Challenges and future prospects
The full implementation of the Khamsin automated endoscope cleaning system across University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust marks a significant step in the development of endoscope reprocessing in the UK. It demonstrates the practical application of new cleaning technology on a large scale, following successful evaluation and trials. This implementation provides valuable insight into the benefits and challenges of adopting automated cleaning systems, including impacts on patient safety, operational efficiency, and workflow integration. As the Trust continues with this system, it may offer lessons for other healthcare organisations considering similar approaches.
Regarding the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, PFE Medical and Aston University are already developing a second project, aiming to create a UV light-based device to inspect medical instruments for hard-to-remove biofilms, an innovation that could further enhance endoscope cleaning and patient safety.
Aston University has also published an article on this topic, which readers can access here.
Have you seen our latest video about Khamsin?
Watch our latest video from Bristol Royal Infirmary where Alan Cocksedge (Decontamination Supervisor) and Annette Giles (Head of CSSD and Trust Decontamination Officer) share their experiences with the Khamsin system, see firsthand how it transforms endoscope cleaning by improving safety, efficiency, and staff wellbeing.
