Easy-clean floors & walls

Bernard Stilwell Architects designed and managed the project. "Keeping infection out of the recovery bay was obviously a key consideration, so the doors had to be easy to clean with as few joints as possible to reduce bacterial invasion, as well as being tough and impact resistant,” explained Bernard Stilwell.

"We wanted to ensure that it complemented the rest of the design and colour scheme of the unit to create an overall cohesive feel. With all these considerations in mind, we decided to completely clad the structure in Altro Whiterock Chameleon."

Altro Whiterock Chameleon in ‘Slipstream’ and ‘Pure Innocence’ were specified for ‘decorative’ surface treatment of the door surrounds and adjacent walls in the entrance and patient waiting/recovery areas. Altro Whiterock White, an easy-to-clean sheet extruded from a high quality PVCu polymer, was used in the cleaning rooms, lobbies and corridors. It meets all current EU Directives on health and hygiene.

Altro Unity 25 safety flooring was also used in the new ward. It offers sustained slip resistance for the lifetime of the product, keeping risk of a slip to just 1 in a million. At 2.5mm thick, this heavy duty safety flooring combines durability with enhanced aesthetics and PUR technology that can reduce cleaning and maintenance costs throughout the product’s life by up to 60%. It also offers enhanced chemical resistance and copes well with moisture and temperature extremes.

Andrew Clark, deputy estates director at Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation, said: "The overall effect is one of a practical, yet visually appealing clinical environment, where patients can feel comfortable, safe and relaxed." He added: "Cleaning staff find the floors and walls easy to clean."