Choosing the Right Pocket Door for Your Hospital
When you think about refurbishing or planning out a hospital – or any medical facility – you might not think about the doors. You’d consider the floor, the bathrooms, the beds, and the lights – but are you paying close enough attention to the doors?
It would be best to consider all the variables in a hospital because every detail matters. Do your design elements work together to make the hospital a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable place? Installing pocket doors could help your facility tick all three boxes!
In this article, we’ll examine how you can use pocket doors in a hospital setting and their role as part of its overall design and functionality.
What do Hospital Doors Need to Consider?
A door needs to be right for its circumstances. This does not just refer to the design and appearance but also the things you need the door to do. In a hospital, you must consider your door’s material, handle, and swing.
Swing Doors
Swing Doors are the most common type of door in all types of buildings. They hang on a hinge and swing into a space to open and close. They are simple to operate and universally understood. However, they do not easily fit into tight spaces as they need a clear space behind them to open into.
Opening a swing door can also be bad for overall hygiene standards, as swinging can create airflow that blows particles around. This is particularly important in hospitals because of the strict infection control protocol in place.
Operating Room Doors
Operating rooms need to be kept at the highest standards of cleanliness. While regular cleaning and maintenance are significant factors in keeping these standards, using the right sort of doors can also have an impact. Operating room doors need to be as hygienic as possible – this could consider how often they are opened and how they are opened. An operating room door needs to have a kickplate to allow it to be opened without using hands. They are also often clear or partially clear to allow for viewing and communication without opening the door.
Pocket Doors
Single Classic Pocket Doors are particularly well-suitable for a hospital environment. They are a form of sliding door. Unlike many sliding doors, pocket doors hang from a rail rather than run along one. This means that there is no lip on the floor. Many people in hospital may have temporary or long-term mobility issues. This means they should have as few obstacles in their way as possible. Places like bathrooms or private hospital rooms need to be easily accessible to their patients without additional steps in place.
Pocket Door Versus Swing Door For Hospitals
It has been our experience that opting for pocket doors over traditional swing doors presents several compelling advantages that hospital administrators and builders should consider.
Infection Control: Pocket doors eliminate the need for door swing space, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Minimising touchpoints can enhance hygiene protocols in hospitals where infection control is critical.
Space Optimisation: Space is often limited in hospitals, and that’s where having pocket doors can be a significant advantage. Pocket doors slide seamlessly into the wall, saving valuable room for a swing door’s arc. The extra space can be utilized for additional medical equipment, beds, or wider corridors for accessible patient transit.
Improved Accessibility: Pocket doors are designed for smooth, effortless operation. Many times, for patients with mobility challenges or healthcare professionals transporting equipment, these doors offer easy accessibility, ensuring seamless movement within the hospital’s premises.
Enhanced Privacy: In situations requiring privacy, such as consultations or examinations, pocket doors can be equipped with soundproofing features, ensuring patient confidentiality and a conducive environment. It also helps reduce ambient noise for patients with difficulty falling asleep without complete silence.
Durability and Maintenance: Double Pocket doors are often made from high-quality materials. This means they are durable and require minimal maintenance. In a high-traffic environment like hospitals, durability is essential to avoid frequent replacements and repairs, contributing to cost-effectiveness in the long run.
High Quality Pocket Doors
The pocket door company supplies high-quality pocket door kits across the UK. Our kits come with everything you need to fit and assemble the door. They can be fitted by a professional, or you can do it yourself. Furthermore, our pocket door kits are made of tough steel, guaranteeing long life and excellent performance.
To learn more about our pocket doors, check out our full range of pocket doors to see which options are available.