SURFACING MATERIALS
greatly reduce the risk of bacterial proliferation. As well as offering higher impact and artificial light resistance than veneers, they do not require varnishing during installation, which can impede access during the process and ensuing drying time.
Risk of staff being obstructed This may become an increasing concern during retrofitting works, where staff may be obstructed while carrying out their duties. Yet, most of all, by only meeting ‘hygienic’ standards, door veneers do not possess any additional properties that could help mitigate infection risks within the healthcare estate. By contrast, antibacterial surfaces used on doors passively limit bacterial proliferation, allowing these key components to assist in safeguarding patient wellbeing and outcomes. Alongside antibacterial properties, light reflectance values (LRVs) are another key factor to consider when specifying surfaces for healthcare estates. Approved Document M of the Building Regulations requires that building elements – including doors, handles, and walls, have a minimum LRV contrast of 30 points to improve the ability of visually impaired people to move around. In buildings such as hospitals, where vulnerable people will undoubtedly be present, the importance of this cannot be overstated. Taking this into account, healthcare estate decision-
makers should make sure that any surface they select achieves good daylight values. Doing so is also useful for creating contrasting layouts to assist those with visual impairments navigate their environment. To best source these components, specifiers need to further evaluate potential surface suppliers and the ranges they offer. By discerning whether they can provide a range of decorative combinations in a variety of materials that retain antibacterial properties – including MFC, HPL, and compact laminate – specifiers are better able to create a safe and welcoming environment.
Looking forward
In conclusion, balancing form and function in healthcare furnishings is crucial for efficiency, cleanability, antimicrobial protection, and durability. Engineered
surfaces such as MFC, HPL, and compact laminate, have a part to play in safeguarding patient outcomes, providing all-important infection control alongside aesthetic appeal. Yet specifiers must go beyond basic hygiene standards, including ensuring that surfaces are hard-wearing, easy-to-clean, and resistant to intensive cleaning procedures.
Antibacterial surfaces, with integrated silver ion
protection, offer significant benefits that go beyond these standard features. Healthcare decision-makers should therefore identify suppliers that are familiar with the technology and other considerations and pressures within the healthcare estate’s everyday operations. Leveraging supplier expertise and adhering to legislation ensures safe, accessible, and effective healthcare environments. This manufacturer guidance may be instrumental in mitigating against bacterial proliferation across the healthcare estate. As such, healthcare architects or specifiers keen to explore the selection process more formally should seek out RIBA-accredited CPDs on the topic to raise awareness of the role that panel and surface technologies can play in patient outcomes.
Blanc Megève high- pressure laminate and compact HPL in a clinical setting at Clinique des Grangettes in Switzerland.
May 2025 Health Estate Journal 55
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