
Luton and Dunstable University Hospital
Long-lasting healthcare doors for vital standout hospital services.
The redevelopment at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital required tailored door solutions for one of the largest healthcare infrastructure schemes in the region. SDS supplied over 650 high-spec doorsets, helping the Trust deliver a safe, modern environment across maternity, neonatal, surgical and critical care areas.
About the project.
This significant hospital development delivered 16,700m² of advanced healthcare space. The project formed part of the NHS’ efforts to modernise care delivery, boost capacity and improve safety and sustainability in Bedfordshire.
This new facility features maternity delivery suites, a midwifery-led birthing unit, bereavement support, ante and post-natal facilities, 8 operating theatres, an adult intensive care unit and the regional level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), all carefully designed to enhance patients’ experience and the delivery of high-quality clinical services.
Project overview.
Project: New clinical facility at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital
Customer: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
SDS products used: Dfendoor, Lamdoor, Shieldoor
What our clients have to say.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with SDS as part of our New Clinical Buildings project. Doors are always a difficult aspect to get completely right, but SDS supply a high quality product that meets the needs of our vital NHS services. The doors provided and the after sales service we have come to expect from SDS, not only comply to tough healthcare standards, but also ensure we can offer a safe and secure environment for our staff and patients.”
“As a contractor, it’s essential to work with suppliers who are responsive and reliable, and SDS has consistently delivered on both. Throughout our project, they demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and a clear commitment to quality.
From the early planning stages to final delivery, the SDS team was proactive in offering solutions and managing changes with ease. Having a supplier who truly operates as a partner made a significant difference to the success of our project.
We look forward to continuing our relationship with SDS on future developments.”
“SDS post-formed doors were chosen for this project due to their clear advantages in demanding environments. The durability and robustness of the doors ensure they hold up well under frequent use, and their ability to withstand impact makes them ideal for high-traffic areas.
The ease of cleaning has been a major benefit, especially in hospital settings where hygiene is critical. Additionally, the doors' resistance to moisture, particularly when fully wrapped in PVC, adds another layer of reliability for use in clinical and wet areas.
SDS has delivered a product that meets the practical and hygiene standards we require, and we wouldn’t hesitate to specify them again in future projects.”
Project delivery.
SDS supplied over 650 Dfendoor and Shieldoor doorsets to support the development of this extensive project.
- Finishes included Gunpower and Flint, creating visual contrasts between door leaves and frames in line with Building Regulations and to support wayfinding.
LRV 51; RAL 7035
- A wide range of ironmongery combinations were supplied in satin stainless steel finish to prevent any bacteria harbouring on high touch points. Additionally, bespoke wall mounted doorstops were sourced to prevent damage ensuring a longer lifecycle for the doorsets.
- A variety of vision panels were supplied for this project to accommodate all the various room uses, including PVC bead Clearglaze vision panels mixed with our Priviglaze and Priviglaze+ vision panels.
- The SDS projects team worked closely with the client throughout the project to ensure doorsets met HTM 05-02 guidance under BS EN standards, helping mitigate risks and ensuring complete fire safety and compliance.
Engineered for durability in demanding clinical settings, SDS doorsets deliver long-lasting performance and high-quality finishes that elevate the environment of the new centre.
SDS healthcare doorsets supplied:
Deployed in high-risk clinical and heavy-impact traffic zones for robustness and hygiene compliance.
Find out moreKey outcomes and benefits.
- Addresses critical maintenance and safety risks.
- Expands elective surgery capacity through theatre colocation.
- Supports modern workforce needs with flexible design.
- Improves sustainability, efficiency, and care quality.
- Enables use of advanced medical technologies.
- Key collaboration with Kier Construction to ensure efficient delivery.
Summary.
Luton and Dunstable University Hospital’s Acute Services and New Ward Block redevelopment demonstrates SDS's ability to deliver robust and technically compliant door solutions at scale, whilst remaining visually appealing. In a high stakes clinical environment, SDS has partnered to create a safe and future ready facility to promote patient safety and help provide high-quality clinical services.