Leaderflush Shapland helps combat levels of hospital infection

Following the provision of 170 doorsets, Leaderflush Shapland has delivered bespoke, hygienic timber doorset solutions to the new £9million pathology centre at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

Providing doorsets specifically suited for use in a healthcare environment, Leaderflush Shapland’s solution combines the benefits of its Plasform, EnduraCor and Hygieniform technologies to deliver a series of doorsets that help combat against the effects of healthcare associated infections (HAI).

The Plasform doorsets supplied are incredibly durable and very easy to wipe clean. With rounded postformed edges, Plasform doorsets can also help to minimise the build up and transference of airborne particles – something of particular importance given the setting.

Add to this Leaderflush Shapland’s exclusive Hygieniform technology – an innovative, anti-microbial PVC facing option, an all round infection control solution is achieved. Hygieniform technology works by providing protection against C.diff, E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria and MRSA by preventing access to nutrients – this is possible due to the biocidally proactive additive present in the PVC itself. This additive is found throughout the entire 2mm thickness of the PVC meaning it will continue to work, even if the surface is scratched.

From an aesthetic perspective, the Plasform range also allows for added creativity in terms of achieving a colourful, contemporary door design. At New Cross Hospital, Leaderflush Shapland supplied Plasform doors in Carnival (red), Lemon (green), Iris (light blue) and Campanula (dark blue) colours. Not only did this help to brighten up the interior of the hospital but also meant that certain areas could be zoned, according to the colour of the doors.

As with any hospital, it was anticipated that the building would be subjected to the potential damage caused by the frequent passage of heavy trolleys, beds, wheelchairs and other bulky items. To ensure the doors would be able to withstand such demands, Leaderflush Shapland ensured its EnduraCor technology was incorporated, where relevant, to deliver an added level of protection against knocks and scrapes.

EnduraCor is an engineered performance core with a severe duty rating that provides high fire resistance – up to 60 minutes, exceptional levels of sound reduction – up to 30RwdB and smoke control that is compliant with the Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 69 document.

Dean Jetson, Senior Buyer - Construction from Morgan Sindall, said: "The key working relationship between Morgan Sindall and Leaderflush Shapland has been integral to the successful delivery of New Cross Hospital. Leaderflush Shapland met the criteria of the specification and drawings stipulated and were proactive in carrying out value engineering practices where at all possible."

The new three-storey centre at New Cross Hospital houses microbiology, haematology, clinical chemistry and histopathology units. The pathology department has been specifically designed to help reduce the time waiting for results, meaning patients can be treated faster and leave hospital quicker. The pathology department handles more than 1.2 million requests for work. It is also hoped the lab will eliminate delays and reduce handling of samples which will lead to an overall improvement in the quality of the patient experience in hospital. The development is part of a wider £400m transformation of the hospital site.