Client: Hillingdon Hospital
Type of works: design of a unique hygienic doorset solution.
Leading doorset manufacturer, Leaderflush Shapland, has played a key role in an innovative experiment in hospital ward design at Hillingdon Hospital in Uxbridge, Middlesex.
Part of Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust's redevelopment plans, the Single Room Pilot Ward project, known as the Bevan Ward, is an initiative to develop a 24-bed unit of single bedrooms with supporting accommodation. The T-shaped ward has been designed to integrate 3 separate clusters with a central support zone, containing a reception, kitchen and social areas. Each cluster contains eight en-suite bedrooms, which has been specifically designed to test a different room design.
The pilot ward is an advanced prototype based on the latest evidence on the effectiveness of ward design and layout. This includes factors such as increasing visual observation of patients, reducing nurse walking and fatigue, and enabling staff to communicate better with patients while preserving privacy and the confidentiality of personal information. The Trust will test the unit in use through a programme of related research and evaluation.
Working closely with the NHS and the design team, Leaderflush Shapland has designed a unique doorset solution, perfect for the healthcare environment. This exclusive solution comprises a two-leaf articulated door, from Leaderflush Shaplands Pivette range of doorsets, and an additional single leaf door which helps to meet the minimum requirement set by the NHS for the floor area within assisted en-suite facilities. Together with the gap in the frame head, allowing for a track and hoist, this unique design minimises the door swing area, maximises clear opening widths and allows for easy patient-assisted movement.