Gradus supplies specialist emergency care hospital

Published: 15-Mar-2016

Wall protection systems, stair edgings and carpets installed at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Centre

Contract interiors expert, Gradus has supplied a comprehensive range of wall protection systems, stair edgings and carpet to the first purpose-built specialist emergency care hospital of its kind in England.

Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital cares for seriously-ill or injured patients from across Northumberland and North Tyneside. With emergency care consultants on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, patients have much-quicker access to specialist care, which is helping to save more lives and maximising chances of survival and a good recovery.

Gradus wall protection systems have been installed in high-traffic areas throughout the hospital such as wards and corridors. In addition, approximately 250 linear metres of stair edgings have been fitted on every main and escape staircase, while carpet tiles have also been installed throughout the offices.

Profiles installed include wall guards, corner guards, Sanparrel PVC-u sheets, rubrails and 940 handrails. Neutral colours of Muslin (beige) and Pewter (grey) were chosen to complement the fresh and contemporary interior of the hospital. Gradus wall protection products help to prevent the build-up of germs and bacteria, and they are through-coloured and textured to conceal the effects of impact and abrasions, which are often caused by wheeled and pedestrian traffic. This helps to reduce ongoing repair and maintenance costs and improve the long-term appearance of the interior.

Installed throughout the corridors and ward areas of the hospital, the 940 handrail has been designed to meet guidelines in BS 8300:2009+A1:2010, Approved Document M (2010) and Approved Document K (2013) . Curved to echo the unique circular design of the building, the handrail offers pedestrian guidance and support, helping the hospital to meet their duties under the Equality Act 2010.

In addition, Gradus’ Stratus II carpet tiles in Jet Stream (grey) have been installed in the offices at the hospital and Gradus’ RXT351 PVC-u hardnose stair edgings in granite (grey), with Xtra-grip inserts in rock (grey), have also been installed to help minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls on staircases in line with the guidelines in BS 8300:2009+A1:2010 and Approved Document M of The Building Regulations 2010.

PVC-u hardnose stair edgings comprise coloured PVC-u channels and matching slip-resistant pvc inserts. The hospital chose Xtra-grip inserts which offer slip resistance in environments where there is a risk of the stair edgings becoming wet from either spillage or tracked in moisture eg steps close to entrances, near canteens or food/vending areas.

Combined, these specialist interior products are designed to offer guidance and support to both patients and staff, while also offering protection against damage caused by wheeled traffic such as trolleys and wheelchairs in corridors and walkways.

Paul Brayson, project director at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The very nature of this facility means that the products installed need to withstand heavy wear and tear.

“Gradus has provided a range of high quality products to help us create a safe and inclusive environment for our patients, whilst also helping to reduce maintenance costs.”

Anna Conrad-Smith, product manager for Wall Protection, added: “With nearly 50 years of experience within the healthcare sector, and a proven track record in successfully supplying tailored solutions and project management to the NHS, we understand the demands of a busy hospital.

“The wall protection systems at the Northumbria hospital offer support, guidance and protection, while the stair edgings will help to reduce the likelihood of accidents on stairs.”

Gradus has also recently launched a new range of Safety and Protection Systems designed to provide both physical and visual barriers to impact in back-of-house applications such as service areas, loading bays and car parks.

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