Gerflor’s ability to provide an integrated approach that is matched by a range of innovative solutions, has been clearly demonstrated at the Royal Infirmary Site within the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Here, a range of products was installed by an approved flooring contractor and Gerflor partner, Crown Flooring, in the refurbishment of the Multiple Injuries Unit (MIU) and main corridors.

The 200m² MIU posed a huge challenge. With seven beds containing critically ill patients on ventilators, a nurses’ station, plus extensive equipment and cables, the unit had to remain fully operational throughout the installation of the new flooring. The team had to work with clinicians to ensure minimum disruption in this very sensitive area of the hospital. In addition, the team had to ensure the very highest standards to help NHS staff prevent the risk of infections to these very vulnerable patients.

To address this critical issue, Gerflor was selected as a supplier for its Attraction range of loose lay floor tiles, and was considered as the best market solution as they can be laid directly over the existing flooring and, in this case, beds and equipment could be easily moved onto the new flooring as the installation progressed.

Attraction is highly durable, has a unique dovetail joint; this ensures that tiles are quick to install or replace whilst also creating an-all-but invisible seam. They require no adhesives, welding or grouting and are easy to maintain as a result of a UV cured polyurethane (PUR) treatment applied to the surface and the Sanosol® fungicidal and antibacterial protection within the tiles.

The Attraction range of flooring was also installed in the corridor from the entrance into emergency theatre to the helicopter patient treatment area. As this corridor is limited in width and may be used at any time for helicopter patients, it was impossible to close the area off whilst refurbishment was taking place. Again,

Attraction allowed the client to progress with the installation without the worry and fear that it could impact on the healthcare services provided by the hospital.