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Low-contact door solutions for a healthier environment

Infection control is critical in healthcare environments to protect patients, visitors, and staff. Here Tim Checketts, head of Specification at dormakaba, discusses how the right door and access control solutions can help minimise the spread of germs, while still achieving the required accessibility, security, and safety.

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a serious issue for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Not only do they pose a risk to the health and life of patients, but they also have a significant impact on healthcare resources. Research published in 2019 suggests that while only a small proportion of all patients acquire a HCAI, it typically increases their stay in hospital by around nine days, and approximately one-fifth of all available bed-days in NHS hospitals in England are taken up by HCAI patients. The study also found that the cost of managing a patient with a HCAI is around three times higher compared with a patient without. In total these infections cost the NHS in England alone around £2.7 billion per year

Reducing the spread of the bacteria and viruses that cause these infections is thus critical for any healthcare organisation. One of the key elements in infection control is reducing transmission through contact with surfaces. As features of a building that are interacted with most, the correct choice of doors, hardware, and security components, has an important role in achieving this.

Low-contact door solutions

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Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

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