Revolutionising Hospital Hygiene

Unsurprisingly, the hospital environment contains a multitude of microorganisms, many of which can be spread by direct contact with high touch surfaces. In addition to items such as bedrails and reusable patient care equipment, cubicle curtains are a common source of cross-contamination; however, smart glass technology can provide a healthier and more hygienic solution when it comes to patient privacy.

Regular cleaning is an essential requirement for any healthcare facility. To ensure patient safety, hospitals must maintain a clean environment and reduce the presence of pathogens that can be spread between patients. Frequently used items and high touch surfaces are a common source of microorganisms and can lead to the transmission of serious infections including:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Clostridium difficile (C-diff)
• Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)

One common hotspot for germs in almost every hospital is the cubicle privacy curtain. Regularly handled by both patients and the hospital staff moving from bed to bed, these simple soft furnishings are a proven source of bacterial cross contamination.

Reducing the spread of pathogens

Smart glass partitions provide an effective solution to this perennial problem by replacing hard to clean curtains with smooth glass surfaces. Unlike curtains which must be periodically removed, laundered, and rehung, smart glass partitions can be cleaned several times a day.

Furthermore, because privacy glass is switch activated, sanitisation can be more targeted and cleaning schedules more frequent. The application of an anti-microbial coating on both the glass and switch can further reduce the spread of pathogens.

Improving hospital hygiene and privacy

With instant privacy at the flick of a switch, smart glass offers a great way to balance hospital hygiene with patient respect and decency. Switchable glass transitions from transparent to opaque in less than 0.1 seconds, providing instant control over patient visibility.

Glass can be activated by a wall switch, remote control, movement sensors, or even voice activated for a zero-touch solution. Not only does this offer a safer, more hygienic solution in intensive care settings where frequent patient checks are required, but in regular wards, it can deliver a more adjustable solution, giving patients more autonomy over their surroundings.

Noise control is a further benefit, with smart glass partitions providing far greater protection than flimsy curtains from the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital ward. With a noise rating of around 35dB, smart privacy glass facilitates a calmer atmosphere for patients, which can promote rest and improve healing.

Creating a positive patient environment

In addition to sound proofing and improved hygiene, smart glass offers another key aid to patient recovery in the form of light. Whereas cubicle curtains can block light and create a dingy atmosphere on the ward, smart glass partitions create a bright and spacious ambience that can have a positive effect on both patient recovery and staff morale.

This means switchable glass can be used as a smart alternative to cubicle partitions, but also as an internal divider to repurpose hospital spaces during refurbishment or renovation.

Many hospitals faced with budget constraints are seeking to utilise existing space more intelligently. By creating light filled spaces and retaining access to outside views, smart glass solutions can be used to make the existing available space work harder to achieve current clinical needs.

For optimum flexibility when working to fulfil the needs of today’s healthcare architects, Smart Glass International offer a hands-on service, ensuring each installation is tailored to the specific needs of the hospital environment. Ideal for any clinical spaces that require both hygiene and privacy, smart glass solutions are ideal for use throughout a hospital’s design, where they can used to create a clean, positive environment that promotes faster patient recovery.

To find out more about how smart glass technology could enhance your next hospital development, contact Smartglass International for expert advice and a quote.