How PVC Post-formed Doorsets Improve Patient Safety and Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities

Balancing budget constraints with compliance needs and long-term investment value is a constant challenge for decision-makers in healthcare facility design.  

When selecting doorsets, it's tempting to focus on upfront costs. However, in environments where durability, safety, and hygiene are critical, initial savings can be extremely costly further down the line. 

PVC post-formed doorsets offer a compelling solution, providing long-term value and superior performance in comparison to traditional laminate or timber options. 

What are PVC Post-formed Doorsets?

PVC post-formed doorsets are crafted from high-quality PVC wrapped around the door edges. They eliminate exposed timber or laminate, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and making cleaning easier, and superior resilience ensures minimal damage even after multiple impacts. 

Our PVC post-formed doorsets are designed to address the key concerns of NHS Trusts and healthcare facilities by offering superior durability, easy maintenance, and robust infection control capabilities.  

View our portfolio of quality PVC healthcare doorsets. 

How Does PVC Support Patient Safety and Infection Control? 

The durability of PVC doorsets ensures they maintain protective properties and long-term compliance with safety and hygiene standards. In contrast, once a timber or laminate door is damaged, it can no longer maintain infection control compliance as the door becomes a potential source of infection and poses a considerable risk to health and infection control. 

PVC doorsets are also chemical resistant, allowing them to withstand harsh cleaning agents without surface damage. Seamless, non-porous surfaces also inhibit bacterial growth through antimicrobial properties, supporting infection control and maintaining a safe healthcare environment. 

Minimal maintenance requirements reduce the risk of disruptions to the healthcare environment and promote patient safety and facility effectiveness, and anti-microbial properties help to prevent the spread of infections which can be detrimental to a facility. 

What Are The Financial Benefits? 

PVC doorsets are specifically designed to withstand the demands of high-traffic environments, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and replacements. This extended lifespan translates to lower lifecycle costs while minimising the financial impact of any downtime, as healthcare operations are less likely to be disrupted by maintenance work.  

Cost vs. Value: A Long-Term Perspective 

While PVC post-formed doorsets require a greater initial investment, their long lifespan results in substantial savings over time. 

Consider the following scenarios: 

• Scenario A: A laminate doorset costing £500-£600 may require bi-annual maintenance and replacement within a 10-year period due to wear and damage, especially in high-traffic areas. The ongoing costs of repairs and replacements, along with the labour involved, can quickly add up. 
   

• Scenario B: A PVC post-formed doorset, priced at around £1,000, may require little to no maintenance over the same 10-year period. Its durable construction and resistance to damage make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
  
  

Note: Lifetime costs calculated based on the concept of value engineering as published in ‘The Green Book’. Calculations are based on a time horizon of 10 years, taking into consideration initial purchase, repairs, and physical maintenance.

By the end of a ten-year period, the savings associated with PVC post-formed doorsets often outweigh the initial cost difference.  

For a more detailed analysis, take a look at our guide to the cost of compromise. 

Why Choose PVC Post-formed Doorsets 

As fully-certified fire-rated doorsets, that can take the everyday impact of beds, cages, trolleys and bins as well as bumps and scratches from patients, visitors and staff alike, they’re a strong solution to a number of the challenges that modern healthcare estates face. 

Here are some more key ways PVC Doorsets stand up to the test:  

Compliance 

Compliance in healthcare settings is non-negotiable, and cost pressures across the industry have increased the necessity for doorsets that not only meet compliance standards at installation but continue to do so throughout their lifespan. 

PVC post-formed doorsets comply with stringent safety and hygiene regulations, including fire ratings and infection control standards.  

To support meticulous planning and resonate with technical advisor’s key targets, we provide comprehensive technical documents, including BIM files and data sheets. These resources ensure that all aspects of doorset performance and compliance are thoroughly understood and integrated into healthcare facility planning and maintenance. 

Aesthetic and Functional Versatility 

Our PVC post-formed doorsets are available in a wide array of colors and finishes, from woodgrain effects that create a welcoming atmosphere to vibrant hues suitable for children's wards. This versatility allows healthcare facilities to create a visually appealing and therapeutic environment without compromising compliance, accessibility, or durability.  

Additionally, our comprehensive selection is designed to meet specific functional and compliance needs across various areas of healthcare facilities, ensuring that every space, from patient rooms to high-traffic corridors, is equipped with doorsets that support both aesthetic goals and rigorous performance standards. 

Reduced Maintenance and Downtime 

PVC doorsets can last over 10 years, 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. 

Their ability to withstand frequent use and harsh cleaning agents ensures that they remain functional and safe over time, even in high-traffic areas. 

PVC Doorsets: A Strategic Investment in Healthcare 

Choosing the right doorset for a healthcare facility is about more than just the purchase price - it's about ensuring long-term safety, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. PVC post-formed doorsets provide a durable, hygienic, and aesthetically versatile solution that supports the complex needs of modern healthcare environments. 

As laminate and timber doors succumb to wear and tear, requiring frequent replacements and repairs, PVC stands the test of time, offering peace of mind to facility designers, contractors and healthcare providers.  

Specialist Door Solutions: A Trusted Partner 

Investing in PVC doorsets is not just a decision for today; it's a commitment to patient safety, hygiene, and financial sustainability in the years to come. 

SDS specialises in PVC doors due to their superior durability and suitability for healthcare. Our doors resist damage, are easy to clean, and withstand rigorous cleaning protocols, ensuring long-term performance and significant lifecycle savings.  

Engaging with SDS from start to finish reduces administrative burdens and enhances project execution efficiency. Our customers can ensure seamless project engagement, with a team highly experienced in addressing and mitigating the complexities of managing large-scale healthcare projects.  

Comprehensive support throughout the project lifecycle ensures smooth execution, making SDS a reliable and supportive partner in delivering high-quality, compliant, and durable doorset for healthcare facilities.

To discover how SDS can support your healthcare facility with our range of PVC post-formed doorsets, contact us today.  

Our team of experts is ready to help you make informed decisions that prioritise patient safety, hygiene, and long-term value.

Relevant Projects 

Here are some of our success stories demonstrating how SDS has helped healthcare facilities improve their operations, patient safety, and infection control.