Adventist Health St. Helena launches Synexis system to kill germs

Adventist Health St. Helena is taking additional steps to keep patients safe with the launch of a new system to reduce germs in the hospital.

The hospital is the first healthcare site in the Bay Area to launch the Synexis Microbial Reduction System, which uses dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) to naturally and continuously reduce microbial contamination in occupied spaces. The Synexis technology has been installed in critical areas of Adventist Health St. Helena and will soon expand to cover additional areas to reduce viruses, bacteria, mold, and odor-causing compounds.

“This is very exciting news for Adventist Health St. Helena, especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Karen Phillips, infection prevention specialist. “Synexis will help us safely clean the toughest and out-of-reach areas of a room while it is occupied.”

Synexis was founded by James Lee, a West Point graduate and chemical engineer who became an anti-terrorist consultant for Fortune 500 companies after leaving the U.S. Army. Terrorism events such as the African Embassy bombings, 9/11, and anthrax letters were the catalyst for the creation of his company. Lee’s goal was to develop a technology that would work around the clock in occupied spaces to reduce microbial threats from the moment of their introduction, even if their introduction was unnoticed.

The Synexis technology is a gift from generous community supporters of the St. Helena Hospital Foundation. “We’re thrilled to make this investment in the safety of our community,” says Glen Newhart, foundation president. The introduction of Synexis builds on the outstanding reputation for safety at Adventist Health St. Helena, and “we congratulate Adventist Health St. Helena on receiving the highest hospital safety grade in Napa County from the Leapfrog Group.”