Ugly radiators which take up wall space, attract dust, and can harbour potentially-harmful bugs are becoming a thing of the past as hospitals, health centres and care homes opt for more-modern heating solutions.
Over the past year underfloor heating has become increasingly popular, particularly in social care environments, but now an even-more-innovative system is being specified which not only helps tackle problems with cleaning and infection prevention, but is also less disruptive to fit in a busy 24-7 environment.
We were looking for an efficient heating emitter system that solved a number of key NHS issues relating to hygiene and cleaning as well as solving some layout design and collision problems
The Queensway Health Centre, run by Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, was among the early adopters of Discrete Heat’s ThermaSkirt EastClean and EasyClean+ systems.
Project manager, Andrew Phillips, from Ampersand Associates, said: “We were looking for an efficient heating emitter system that solved a number of key NHS issues relating to hygiene and cleaning as well as solving some layout design and collision problems.
“Traditional radiators in public areas have to be low surface temperature and this is achieved with radiator covers that become a dirt trap and potentially harbour germs. These covers require maintenance and periodic removal for cleaning that requires both a maintenance contractor and a clinical cleaning team.”
In contrast, ThermaSkirt is a revolutionary new form of direct electric heating, designed to replace electric storage heaters and panel radiators, as well as provide a more-practical, controllable and reliable alternative to radiators or electric under floor heating.
Connecting to a traditional plumbed system, the product has a smooth and grill-free profile with virtually no maintenance needed and cleaning reduced to a simple wipe down when floors are mopped.
Being a completely-sealed radiant skirting trim, it is simple to fit and, above all easy to clean, vital for busy health and social care environments
Graham Bell, head of capital projects for NHS Property Services, said: “As part of the Queensway Health Clinic refurbishment we were very keen to ensure an energy-efficient delivery of heat, while maintaining patient safety and to design out cleaning troubles, which are typically experienced with traditional radiators especially when they are fitted with an LST cover. Specifying ThermaSkirt achieved all the above.”
The system was also specified to replace a failed underfloor system in the busy A&E department at North Tees Hospital; as part of a refurbishment of the paediatric ward at Trafford General Hospital; and in assisted living units in Blackburn and Edinburgh.
A spokesman for DiscreteHeat said: “The EasyClean LST range of products has been designed in co-operation with the NHS and major assisted living providers.
“Being a completely-sealed radiant skirting trim, it is simple to fit and, above all easy to clean, vital for busy health and social care environments.”
- Companies:
- Trafford General Hospital
- Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
- NHS Property Services
- DiscreteHeat
- North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
