Infection Control
In a healthcare setting, infection control is paramount to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The constant flow of people creates a unique challenge when it comes to minimising the risk of infection and preventing its spread. To address this, healthcare administrators must consider the types of doors used in hospitals and the doorsets that can help maintain the highest standards of infection control.
Types of Hospital Doors
Infection control in a healthcare environment requires a meticulous approach, especially in high-traffic areas that are regularly accessed by staff and patients. These areas often include corridors and entrances to cleaning cupboards or spaces for transporting trolleys. It is crucial to ensure that doorsets are maintained to a high standard, and regular checks are conducted to meet infection control measures.
The Role of Healthcare Doorsets
An essential component of maintaining infection control in healthcare facilities is choosing the right doorsets. Doorsets that offer excellent anti-microbial properties and act as a reliable barrier against infection are key to minimising the risk of infections and their spread. Moreover, these doorsets should be easy to clean without degrading their surface or becoming easily damaged and therefore ineffective.
Challenges with Timber and Laminate Doorsets
While timber and laminate doorsets may initially appear as cost-effective and visually appealing options, they have limitations when it comes to infection control. The surfaces of these doorsets are exposed to wear and tear, bacteria, and regular impacts, resulting in a significantly reduced lifespan, averaging around two years before requiring repairs or replacement.
Furthermore, timber and laminate surfaces have low impact resistance, making them ill-suited for the demanding healthcare environment. When these surfaces are damaged or penetrated, the protective barrier against infection is compromised. Additionally, cleaning chemicals can harm the lacquers used on these surfaces, further diminishing their effectiveness over time.
Advantages of PVC Doorsets
PVC doorsets offer superior infection control properties and longevity. These doorsets have high impact resistance and excellent anti-microbial properties. They can last for over 10 years, a substantial improvement over other options on the market.
A postformed PVC doorset is particularly advantageous in terms of infection control. It eliminates exposed timber, lipping, or laminate, making cleaning easier and reducing the risk of bacteria becoming trapped in gaps or joints. Impact testing demonstrates that PVC doorsets are highly resilient, with minimal damage even after multiple impacts, ensuring the integrity of the anti-microbial barrier remains intact.
PVC doorsets are chemical resistant, allowing them to withstand harsh cleaning agents without surface damage. Compared to timber or laminate options, PVC doorsets can last up to 50 times longer, maintaining their resistance to impact and preserving their anti-microbial properties throughout their lifetime. This resilience is crucial for fighting infections within healthcare environments.
PVC doorsets can last over 10 years, five times longer than other options, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This extended lifespan results in minimal disruption to the healthcare setting, as fewer replacements mean less downtime and maintenance. In contrast, once a timber or laminate door is damaged, it can no longer maintain infection control compliance. When the surface is compromised, the door becomes a potential source of infection and poses a considerable risk to health and infection control. PVC doorsets, with their remarkable durability and anti-microbial properties, not only maintain their integrity but also contribute to a healthier and safer healthcare environment by minimising the need for constant replacements and repairs.
In conclusion, healthcare doorsets play a vital role in infection control within healthcare facilities. Choosing the right doorsets can significantly reduce the risk of infection and its spread, ensuring the safety and well-being of both staff and patients.
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