7 Critical Features To Look For in Isolation and Quarantine Area Doors
Hygiene and infection control are particularly crucial in isolation or quarantine areas where patients are infected with highly contagious diseases or viruses which need to be contained. These viruses can be easily transmitted from person to person through airborne contamination or contaminated surfaces such as door handles.
Doors can be a major source of contamination due to the fact they are the piece of furniture which is touched the most by patients and staff. This is why it’s critical that the correct doors are specified for isolation wards and quarantine areas within hospitals.
Here are some critical features to look for in doors for isolation wards and quarantine areas.
EASY CLEAN
Doors in these areas should be easily cleaned and resistant to disinfection procedures in order to maximise infection control. The Ulti Hermetic FRP Doors are manufactured using a unique pressure molding technique. This produces a completely smooth, void free finish to the door containing no organic material. This makes them ideal for demanding environments where door performance and hygiene are critical.
NO JOINS
Door surfaces should also minimise or eliminate joins that can harbour bacteria. Hermetically sealing doors should be chosen for high containment areas requiring air pressure control. Designed specifically for airlocks, quarantine and infection-controlled environments, Ulti’s hermetically sealing sliding doors are ultra hygienic, with a smooth, flush surface, which prevents bacteria from harbouring. There are no profiles or unhygienic lips around the edge of the door which is often found in alternative versions of post formed or fabricated fibreglass doors.
HIGHLY FUNCTIONALAs well as being extremely hygienic, the doors also need to be highly functional in order to meet the needs of staff working in the unit. Key design considerations for doors include the ability to provide a clear door opening to allow easy transfer of patients, beds and medical equipment.
LARGE VISION PANELS
Glazed doors or doors with large vision panels should also be considered for easy patient observation without having to enter the restricted area. The vision panels with privacy blinds, on Ulti hermetic sealing doors, enable continuous observation of patients without entering the room.
STRONG SEALThe seal of a door is a critical barrier for the prevention of spread of viruses and bacteria. Our doors have a unique patented track system so they seal perfectly against the floor and frame. The efficiency of the seal has been officially tested and results show it to be over 99% effective, helping to reduce the spread of airborne infections, cross contamination and air handling costs.These doors also have a trackless floor to minimise the spread of infection and provide unobstructed access in and out of patient areas.
TOUCH-LESS CONTROL
Doors should be automated to provide hands-free entry and further reduce the risk of infection. Using intelligent automation is the key to user safety. Our door automation reacts to the smallest obstruction and photo sensors stop the door from closing on passing traffic. We also provide access control systems, locking and interface with BMS (Building Management Systems) for extra security.Additional to these features, our doors can be supplied with x-ray ratings, sound insulation and worldwide certified fire ratings for the added protection of patients and staff.
Here are some hospitals already experiencing the difference of using truly hygienic hermetic doors:
Mercy Hospital, New Zealand
Alice Spring Hospital, AustraliaVincent’s Private Hospital, AustraliaRoyal Adelaide Hospital, Australia
