Leading door manufacturer Kaba Door Systems has completed a series of unique automatic door installations for Colchester General Hospital.
Kaba supplied and installed 19 sets of bespoke automatic single sliding door packages as part of the hospital’s programme of continuous improvement of patient dignity and privacy.
The Kaba SLX single sliding door packages, specifically modified for the hospital, have been incorporated into new ward bays, sectioning the main ward into smaller six bed areas. With an overall width of 4.2 metres, each door has been designed to give a clear opening width of two metres, allowing easy access for beds, equipment and wheel chairs etc. Manifestations positioned at eye level ensure privacy for the patients, and activation is by touch-less pads, helping to fight the spread of infection. Additionally, porters have been issued with multi-channel remote controls which will activate any of the 19 doors, enabling a door to be opened on approach and providing unhindered access when beds, patients, and equipment, are being moved. The remote controls have been specifically adjusted electronically to ensure that cross-talk is eliminated and only the door required opens. The 2.2 metre wide pocket side screens have been inlaid with dry wipe boards which are used by staff to record patient information, providing a practical, reusable resource.
A recent report, “Privacy and Dignity – A report into mixed sex accommodation in hospitals”, issued by the Chief Nursing Officer to all NHS Trusts and health authorities, highlights ward bay doors as just one of the ways that privacy and dignity can be increased for patients; improving visual and auditory privacy through screening and providing confidential discussion areas. Colchester General Hospital’s commitment to the recommendations not only includes the fitting of automatic doors, but also the installation of additional bathrooms, new, clearer signage, and the division of wards into male and female areas.
Julie Firth, director of nursing and patient experience at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The installation of Kaba sliding doors will help us to achieve national standards of Delivering Single Sex Accommodation by the end of February – one month before the national deadline”.
“While doing all that we can to optimise privacy and dignity is one of our priorities, we have also found that their installation has helped to modernise our estate and improve the physical environment, both for patients and staff”.
The innovative and industry-unique Kaba SLX sliding door is a technologically advanced system. Controlled by an intelligent Communications Bus which continually monitors the safety sensors, the SLX is safe reliable and extremely easy to operate. Kaba’s innovative SLX sliding door operator offers the flexibility of a wide selection of functions, allowing access to be optimised to match pedestrian traffic. The SLX automatic door operator exceeds current regulations and also provides the flexibility and convenience of elegant contact-free access for all users.
Kaba Door Systems has over 80 years’ international experience in the design, manufacture, and installation of a leading range of commercial and industrial door systems. With regional centres across the UK, Kaba also offers a nationwide entry repair and maintenance service. The company is a member of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA)
For Further Information:
Hannah Jukes-Jones
Communications/Press Officer
Tel: 0870 000 5252 - hjukes-jones@kdt.kaba.com
