BlackBerry could soon begin developing a bacteria-free smartphone that’s designed for use in hospitals.
The company’s position in the consumer-facing smartphone industry has been fragile for a while, but Chief Executive Officer John Chen wants to make a bid for the healthcare industry.
“
Chen was keen to note that BlackBerry is not currently developing the phone, but that it was a possibility, as reported by Bloomberg.
The Canadian mobile firm is currently working to provide nurses and doctors at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital with a portable messaging and alert system.
The company is providing both software and devices for the staff, a scheme which could one day include the bacteria-free phones.
Related: Best Smartphones 2015
Currently, doctors and nurses are supposed to wipe down their handsets with alcohol wipes whenever they enter and exit a hospital room.
However, sometimes staff don’t wipe, and it’s not known exactly how effective alcohol wipes really are at removing bacteria from handsets.
According to the hospital, infections acquired on the premises are one of the leading causes of death at the site.
Unfortunately, Chen didn’t make clear exactly how BlackBerry would be able to manufacture a bacteria-free device.
If bacteria-free phones aren’t your thing, check out our smartphone group test video to see if any of these flagships take your fancy:
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.