Clinical and non-clinical areas at across Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport have been were ‘transformed’ in a single day thanks to the quick-drying properties of the Dulux Trade Sterishield range.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board required a hard-wearing anti-bacterial paint for the ‘makeover’, which had to be completed within the strict timescale to ensure minimum disruption to patients. To meet both criteria, the Health Board specified Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Eggshell, a quick-drying, water-based paint incorporating an in-film bactericide, which reportedly ‘inhibits bacteria and reduces populations of MRSA and E. coli’. Dulux Trade says that when combined with appropriate cleaning practices, Sterishield Diamond Eggshell ‘helps promote a more hygienic environment’. It is ‘a tough, washable, durable, mid-sheen emulsion, suitable for all normal interior wall and ceiling surfaces’.
The Dulux Trade specification team created a dedicated colour palette for the hospital to aid wayfinding, assigning a distinctive shade to each floor level. Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Eggshell was used in the A&E Department and Dental Unit, with Dulux Trade Soft Sheen featuring in the lift and entrance lobby, and Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell used in the Children’s Assessment Unit to extend the maintenance cycle.
Biodex HB – a safe, non-leaching, non-toxic biostatic formulation, was specified for use in the hospital’s operating theatre. Non-tainting, it is also vapour permeable, allowing substrate moisture to escape. Dulux Trade added: “Durable and low maintenance, it is easy to maintain and refurbish, while its safe, water-based, low odour minimal VOC properties makes it easy to apply. Within healthcare it is suitable for use in a wide range of settings – from from category 1 operating rooms and aseptic rooms to category 2 food preparation areas, category 3 corridors, category 5 wards, and category 6 offices.”
The Health Board’s Estates manager, Martin Platt, commented: “'Thanks for giving our decorating team the opportunity to transform some of our key spaces with Dulux Trade ,and to use the Biodex HB product in our operating theatre. The products were all easy to apply, and drying times were very quick. This was good as we were concerned about the small window of opportunity available to complete the redecoration of the hospital, and particularly the theatre room. The finishes had depth, and left confidence that they would be ideal for withstanding our rigorous cleaning regimes. I look forward to monitoring the durability of the coatings during the next few months.”
