Armitage Shanks launches specialist thermostatic shower panel for healthcare

Published: 9-Jun-2025

Armitage Shanks has unveiled the Markwik 21+ Thermostatic SQ, a purpose-designed shower panel for the UK healthcare sector, combining enhanced infection control features with safety-focused functionality and ease of installation

Armitage Shanks has introduced the Markwik 21+ Thermostatic SQ, a new one-piece thermostatic shower panel engineered specifically for the UK healthcare market.

Designed to meet the stringent requirements of the Department of Health’s Health Building Notes, the Markwik 21+ Thermostatic SQ is available in two panel heights, 1500mm and 1700mm, to accommodate the common 2400mm ceiling height in healthcare environments.

Prioritising patient safety, the new shower panel incorporates a maximum blend temperature control, limiting water temperature to 41°C to reduce the risk of scalding. 

The temperature is set during installation and can be adjusted during routine maintenance to suit operational needs. It also features a sequential valve with an extended single-lever design, enabling easy, one-handed control of both water flow and temperature.

The unit is designed for versatility across care homes, hospitals and nursing homes, with an emphasis on safety, hygiene and ease of use. Its durable outer shell, made from antimicrobial premium grade solid PVC, is enhanced with silver ion additive technology, a proven method to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould, and viruses. 

Designed to meet the stringent requirements of the Department of Health’s Health Building Notes

As the antimicrobial properties are embedded within the material itself, they offer long-lasting hygiene benefits.

To support those with visual impairments, the shower panel features a high Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 92 and a clean white finish for effective contrast. 

Beyond its antimicrobial credentials, the outer casing is also stain, heat, fire, and chemical resistant. Its seamless joins and smooth edges contribute to a product that is both aesthetically refined and easy to clean.

Installation and ongoing maintenance have also been carefully considered in the product’s design. 

As the antimicrobial properties are embedded within the material itself, they offer long-lasting hygiene benefits

A unique access panel facilitates straightforward servicing for TMV3/D08 compliance while enabling easy maintenance of filters, regulators, check valves, and isolation valves. 

The unit arrives fully pre-plumbed with 15mm copper pipework connected by brass push-fit connectors, adhering to HTM04-01 guidelines for water safety in healthcare premises. 

Notably, the integrated hot recirculating loop reduces the risk of dead-leg water, offering a safer alternative to ceiling-based systems.

This thoughtful design not only enhances patient safety and operational efficiency but also provides healthcare providers and installers with a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution tailored to the complex demands of healthcare facilities.

 

Top image: Markwik 21+ Thermostatic SQ

You may also like