LSI Architects unveils infection control ward

A 22-bed infection control escalation ward designed by LSI Architects has opened at James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston, Norfolk.

The ward forms part of the Trust's ongoing campaign to improve the environment for patients and enhance infection prevention and control facilities.

On a day-to-day basis the ward will be used for the care of general medical patients.

However, the design of the ward means that when necessary, it can be used to complement the Trust's existing dedicated infection control ward areas as infection-control facilities have been built in.

Eight single ensuite rooms and two- and four-bedded bays all with ensuite accommodation will enhance the Trust's facilities for isolation and treatment of those with infections as and when necessary.

Patients using this ward will benefit from modern, comfortable, light and airy accommodation that has been designed to maintain privacy and dignity.

Eight ensuite side-rooms and single-sex two- and four-bedded bays, all with ensuite bathroom and toilet facilities, will help to improve single-sex accommodation within the hospital.

Every effort has been made to design an environment that is easy to clean and that will withstand a rigorous daily deep-clean programme.

Simple but effective design features, such as windows from floor to ceiling, mean patients can look outside with ease from their beds, while built-in parking bays for necessary hospital trolleys will help to ensure ward corridor areas are kept clear.

The ward has also been equipped with independent bedside televisions enabling patients to select the channel of their choice with freeview.

Peter Durrant, lead designer of the new ward from LSI Architects, said: 'Because patients might be infected, or have to be isolated from infection, the new ward includes two full-isolation rooms incorporating pressurised entrance lobbies, and six single-bed side rooms, also designed to provide isolation.

'The whole department is finished in hygienic materials, including Corian worktops and Altro Whiterock, a specialist wall and door finish, normally only used in operating theatres, pharmacies or other clean environments.

'It can easily be kept clean and disinfected and requires virtually no maintenance, which means the Trust does not have to plan for ward shutdowns to undertake routine redecoration or related maintenance, so can maintain an uninterrupted clinical service.

The new ward is located adjacent to A and E and EADU at the south side of the hospital, in a former administration area.

Existing ground-floor windows have been replaced with new to provide current standards of thermal performance, with sill levels lowered so patients have views to the outside while seated or lying in bed.

Windows have sealed double-glazed units incorporating integral venetian blinds to maximise infection control.

To control the air in the new ward, separate air-handling units are installed in a new plant room on the roof, clad with insulated metal-composite panels to match the existing plant rooms.

To overcome low floor-to-floor heights, which reduce the ceiling void, air ducts were installed over the roof and dropped down along the elevations, reaching into the top part of the new windows.

The exposed air ducts are constructed in fibre glass with a painted finish.

The ward has departmental access on both sides, leading from sub-corridors directly into the main hospital corridor, accessible from the main entrance.

Clinical waste from the ward will be separately collected, temporarily stored in a disposal hold area, and removed according to hospital protocols.

The dirty utility rooms have a 'one-way system' out from the ward.

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