Chelsea & Westminster Hospital

Project Story

For Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, patient safety and confidentiality are the top priorities. Which is why they teamed up with Smartglass International to design a modern and hygienic solution for replacing the standard curtain partitions in their ICU wards.

The result: automatic sliding door systems made of switchable smart glass, capable of providing instant patient privacy with the flick of a switch.

These custom-built systems are made entirely of privacy smart glass, which employs electrical currents to instantly change the glass panels from clear to opaque with the flick of a switch. With these innovative partitions, the hospital can ensure that patients are experiencing the highest privacy standards. Replacing curtain partitions with glass doors allows less noise to enter the ICU wards, providing patients with a quieter and more relaxing environment. In addition, while the glass can be made opaque, this setting does not block out as much light as a curtain would, allowing patients access to natural light while remaining in a private and isolated environment.

The smart glass partitions also provide a more sterile environment for both staff and patients than the original curtains. The glass itself is hygienic and easy to clean, and the addition of the automatic sliding door system eliminates the touching of the partitions that the old curtain system had. This factor was particularly important to the client, as staff and patients must be increasingly aware of sterility in the ICU wards due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Smartglass International collaborated with a leading healthcare supplier of automatic, sliding door systems to design and install 100m² of custom-built privacy glass partitions while meeting the client’s budget and deadline. Our team of experts provided technical expertise and guidance throughout the process, from advising on the best type of glass to the installation and maintenance of the system as a whole. The project was a success for all involved parties, and patients are already benefitting from this innovative healthcare solution.

Suitable for use in all hospital and healthcare settings, privacy glass offers efficient use of space in any environment. For optimum flexibility when working to fulfil clients’ design aspirations, Smartglass International offers a hands-on service and professional advice to overcome any architectural challenges along the way. Supported by competitive pricing, a superior product, and quick turn-around, this responsive approach ensures Smartglass is an internationally renowned leader in switchable glass solutions.

To find out more about this project, or to enquire about how smart glass technology could enhance your latest development, contact your local Smartglass office for expert advice and a quote.