Polyflor’s wood-effect Forest fx PUR vinyl flooring was chosen by Croydon Health Services NHS Trust to create a welcoming dementia-friendly care zone in two reconfigured wards at Croydon University Hospital.
Designed by IBI Group, the refurbishment of Croydon University Hospital’s wards involved creating a new environment specifically suited to patients who are admitted to hospital and living with dementia. Installed within a new dementia hub, the subtlety and high-clarity replication of timber in the American Oak design helped to create a relaxed ambience.
The mid-tone wood flooring design from the Forest fx collection was chosen to contrast appropriately with furniture and wall surfaces, creating a refreshed look that could contribute to less stress and agitation for patients on the ward. The flooring was also installed within ward and circulation areas, activity zones, a quiet room and a sensory zone.
Polyflor Forest fx is a highly-sophisticated and realistic wood-effect sheet vinyl flooring specifically developed for use in heavy commercial environments such as hospitals and other specialist care facilities. Available in 14 authentic shades, Forest fx also features a cross-linked and UV cured polyurethane reinforcement (PUR) to provide a low-cost, polish-free maintenance regime for the lifetime of the flooring. Quick and easy to install, Polyflor’s vinyl flooring can also be welded at the seams to provide a hygienic surface, offering no sanctuary to dirt and bacteria.
Jeff Moore, project manager at Croydon University Hospital, said: “The flooring is a homely, easy-to-clean solution and the perfect complement to our bright dementia-friendly care zone. The finish of the floor is matt and the tone of the floor is not too dark or too light, helping to avoid patients being distracted so that they become unbalanced. Some of our patients were immediately less anxious when walking around on this replacement floor, contributing to a more peaceful space that offers the comfort and familiarity of home.”
Polyflor’s Forest fx flooring contains recycled material and is 100% recyclable via the Recofloor scheme, thereby ensuring the product meets key environmental and sustainability credentials.
As a manufacturer of dementia-friendly flooring, Polyflor is a member of local Dementia Action Alliances which is committed to transforming the lives of the 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Polyflor is also a long-standing partner of the International Dementia Design Network at the University of Salford.
Polyflor’s new dementia care brochure presents new dementia-friendly flooring principles developed in collaboration with the University of Salford’s School of the Built Environment and Institute for Dementia.
