FLOORING


exceptional impact compared to other industries, and resilient surfaces are best placed to cope with such demands. For instance, there is constant movement, far beyond


Simon Testa


Simon Testa is managing director at Stainbusters Cleaning and Hygiene Ltd. Simon has more than 25 years’ experience in the flooring sector across a range of industries including healthcare. He specialises in the professional cleaning, maintenance and restoration of all types of hard and resilient flooring.


other environments, with exceptionally high footfall from patients, staff, and visitors particularly in hotspots like main entrances, corridors, and dining areas. Equally, the type of equipment needed in this type of setting has a major impact. There is ongoing movement of heavily loaded trolleys, wheelchairs, beds, and other patient handling equipment, as well as large medical machinery or mobile imaging equipment being wheeled between wards. Plus there are heavy logistical and maintenance items such as specialised machinery that may be moved for cleaning, or large laundry trolleys with heavy-duty casters which are frequently transported between different areas. Surfaces must therefore be extremely durable and able to withstand an incredibly wide range of high load-bearing activities. Similarly, intensive daily cleaning regimes, the impact


of strong cleaning solutions and certain chemicals, also degrades surfaces. Damage from accidental drops, leaks and spills, and heat and UV exposure may also be experienced – there is an endless list of factors that affect even the highest-quality flooring. Surface wear from such impact can of course result in a myriad of issues. Surface abrasion and compression marks may become visible, with chipped or broken seams. The appearance may become worn and discoloured, and more susceptible to staining which in turn can require increased cleaning. Yet also from the safety side, a worn surface can weaken the protective layers, reducing slip resistance and causing other safety hazards. It is in these instances, especially around health and


safety, that plans are subsequently triggered for a full replacement, despite in most cases, the floor substrate being structurally sound. What has in actual fact degraded, is the top-wear layer which is exactly what restoration is designed to renew – and this is where restoration becomes strategically valuable.


Resilient restoration is the most economical choice.


Resilient restoration for estate teams At this point in time, floor restoration is especially relevant to those leading healthcare estates strategies because it allows organisations to protect existing assets, avoid unnecessary expenditure, reduce operational disruption, and meet environmental commitments, while also keeping patient areas safe and functional. For estate teams, resilient restoration delivers key benefits:


n Economical Resilient restoration is the most economical choice, costing significantly less than a full replacement. This is because it is possible to secure a wide range of savings. The purchase of new materials is incredibly


70 Health Estate Journal May 2026


Resilient restoration: benefits for estates


n Greater ROI n Fast process n Supports safety compliance n Helps meet carbon reduction targets n Extends asset lifecycle n Improves cleaning & hygiene n Minimises disruption n Improves aesthetics


expensive. By implementing a restoration project instead, those high costs can be completely avoided. There is no disposal of waste flooring because the old floor remains in place. There is also no requirement for screed or levelling. As projects can be completed faster than new installations, less labour is required and there is less disruption to clinical services. With estates teams working within tight capital allocation frameworks, this shift from replacement to life extension can unlock immediate and substantial financial efficiencies.


n Fast process For hospitals operating at or near full capacity, or indeed many currently operating at over capacity, minimising disruption is often just as important as cost savings. Professional projects can often be completed overnight


or scheduled during low activity periods, and can be phased to keep main routes and clinical areas operational for staff and patients. Additionally, the process entails little to no movement of equipment and produces minimal noise and dust. Hence, there is a major reduction in operational disruption compared to a full replacement project which demands greater downtime, requires the movement of equipment and entire wards or areas, and creates noise, dust, and smells that disrupt day-to-day clinical and non- clinical activities.


n Improved safety and compliance Following restoration, floors benefit from a consistent finish across previously worn or uneven areas. The smooth, sealed surface supports infection control and renews slip resistance. This enables compliance with safety standards, and directly supports estates responsibilities for managing slip, trip, and fall risks, CQC cleanliness and quality expectations, and cleaning efficiency.


n Carbon reduction targets When healthcare facilities restore instead of replace, it also contributes to sustainability and net zero goals. It avoids sending old flooring to landfill, and significantly reduces embodied carbon associated with manufacturing new flooring, supporting circular economy principles. Another aspect is that, due to easier cleaning,


restoration reduces chemical cleaning demand over time. Furthermore, the process often allows for the use of low- VOC, water-based coatings which in turn support good indoor environmental quality.


n Cleaning productivity There are measurable benefits for the cleaning function too because, once a surface has been restored, it requires less cleaning time and fewer harsh chemicals. Equally, ongoing maintenance is easier.


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