washrooms


“Lights activated by motion sensors


reduce utility costs and provide the advantage of autonomous use, so are becoming increasingly popular.” In addition, the choice of surface


material is crucial, particularly in terms of infection prevention and control. Eckhardt said: “Infection control is


a key deliverable so that patient and carer wellness is protected. In recent years this has meant that product ranges have evolved to maximise efficient cleaning and to incorporate antimicrobial technology.”


A clean sweep Ranges from brands such as Altro, Gerflor, and Forbo Flooring Systems offer durable, slip-resistant surface materials that enable thorough cleaning right to the edges of the room. Eckhardt advises: • Choose products with no


pronounced textures or nodules that could harbour bacteria • Opt for colours that help with


W


ith the growing trend for self- contained single-room patient bed spaces in hospitals and


care facilities; en-suite bathrooms are now the norm. And, with sick and often-frail people


using these environments, more and more estates managers are opting for wetroom facilities over conventional bathrooms. The key differential is that wetrooms,


on the whole, do away with the need for baths and instead offer step-free shower access, much more suited to those with mobility problems; and perfect for smaller spaces. James Walker, Southern regional


sales manager at washroom specialist, Impey, said: “This approach allows complete showering freedom for those who would struggle to use a conventional bathroom, including wheelchair users or individuals with specific mobility requirements. “But an adaptable, accessible


wetroom relies on the cohesive integration of a collection of skilfully-


engineered products which contribute to the user feeling safe, supported and able to carry out simple bathing and toileting tasks with as much freedom as possible.” Within a wetroom, every piece of


accessible showering equipment can be individually important; from the level- access floor former, to a strategically- placed grab rail. “Importantly, a wetroom must be


quick and simple to keep clean and offer easy maintenance,” said Walker. He advises incorporating the design


of the wetroom into the services specification as early as possible as the location of joists, pipework, and concrete flooring will determine the siting of the drain, vents and soil pipes.


Think ahead “Retrospective fitting is not always possible and can result in delays on site and increased costs, so it is best to formulate a schematic of exactly where the waste outlet will need to be and the positioning of pipes for all bathroom facilities,” he added. If the wetroom is to be used by


people in wheelchairs then there will need to be enough space for a turning circle and potentially a carer to assist. And, while lighting and electrical works


must comply with Building Regulations, they must also be user friendly and aimed at people with specific health problems such as dementia. Peter Eckhardt, chief executive of


Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms, told hdm: “Considered lighting is very important, but particularly in environments used by dementia patients.


40 healthcaredm.co.uk


wayfinding and identification, particularly when wetrooms will be used by people with dementia • Use at least a 30 Light Reflection


Value (LRV) difference between the colour of wall and floor surfaces and that of walls and doors • Colour coding of door frames


promotes orientation and increases use of toilet facilities • When choosing flooring, there


should be minimal tonal change, typically only a difference of 8-10 LRV, between the wetroom and bed space In recent years traditional ceramic


wall tiles, which were a mainstay of washroom design for decades, have been replaced by modern advanced wall boarding. Examples include Altro Whiterock wall covering with welded seams, and Gainsborough's BioClad antimicrobial PVC Wall Cladding with BioCote antimicrobial technology. Moving onto fixtures and fittings, and


Impey has fast become leader in fully- accessible wetroom design. Its Level-Dec EasyFit floor former,


which has been fitted in more than 250,000 installations, offers creation of level-access showering facilities across hospital and healthcare settings; providing the ideal drainage gradient to expel waste water quickly and efficiently.


Think ahead Able to withstand up to 47 stones; it has been designed to meet the key healthcare drivers of strength, durability, and ease of installation. Eckhardt also advises considering


the use of ergonomic shower seats, safety shower screens, and specifying


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