Healthcare environments face constant wear from beds, trolleys, wheelchairs and medical equipment. Without adequate protection, walls and corners can quickly become damaged, leading to costly repairs and disruption.

At Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, the project team addressed this challenge from the outset by specifying a coordinated package of Gradus wall protection solutions throughout the new facility.

The Challenge

Designed to provide specialist ophthalmology services, the hospital includes treatment areas, operating theatres, wards, waiting areas and circulation routes, each with unique durability and hygiene requirements. The goal was to create an environment that could withstand daily impacts while maintaining a welcoming appearance and supporting infection prevention.

The Solution

A layered wall protection strategy was implemented across the hospital, including:
• SureProtect Endure Textured Sheet to protect walls in high-traffic areas.
• High Impact Corner Guards to prevent damage in corridors and entrances.
• Oak Timber Handrails with stainless steel returns to support accessibility.
• D200T Dual Rail Systems providing both impact protection and handrail support.
• SureProtect Pure Hygienic Cladding for clinical and support spaces.
• Stainless Steel Corner Guards and Floor Rails in severe-impact environments.

The Outcome

By integrating wall protection into the building design from day one, the hospital benefits from reduced maintenance requirements, improved durability, enhanced hygiene support and better long-term protection of its facilities. The project demonstrates how a proactive wall protection strategy can help healthcare providers maximise the lifespan of their interiors while creating a safer and more resilient environment for patients, visitors and staff.

Key Takeaway

For healthcare estates teams and specifiers, early investment in the right combination of wall protection products can reduce lifecycle costs, support infection prevention and protect valuable healthcare assets for years to come.

Read the full case study here: Case Study - Wall Protection - Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital