HEWI MAG / NEWs

How the design of patient rooms reduces infections

Architects from the Technical University of Braunschweig, together with molecular biologists and physicians from Charité Berlin, have investigated the influence of the interior design of patient rooms on the risk of infection by hospital germs. Find out more about the results and the opportunities they offer.

Since 2016, the team has been investigating the effects of architecture on the hygiene and recovery of hospital patients in the KARMIN project (hospital, architecture, microbiome and infection). Based on the examinations, a sample patient room was developed, which minimizes the risk of infection for patients. In this article we present System 900 and other solutions for more hygiene in the sanitary facilities of hospitals, which are used in the KARMIN sample patient room.

The results of the study speak for themselves

The results show that Handrails, Door handles or sanitary facilities represent fertile ground for a large number of pathogens, even with good cleaning intervals, so that the risk of infection increases. High-quality materials, hygienic processing techniques and innovative functions can effectively support hygiene and significantly reduce the risk of infection.

HEWI solutions provide optimum hygiene in the KARMIN patient bathroom

The choice of materials has a decisive influence on the design of hygienic sanitary products. We also ensure that our products have as few joints and joints where dirt and water can accumulate as possible. This is particularly important for washstands or in the shower

Washbasin with surge edge

Washbasins with surge edge offer barrier-free comfort and hygienic advantages. Like all HEWI washbasins, they have no overflow. They also have a surge edge. This prevents water from remaining on the silicone joint to the wall.

Folding support handle with flush release

A small number of components facilitates cleaning and increases hygiene. The integration of functions results in product surfaces with few joints. This makes the surfaces particularly easy to clean. For example, the flush release and the function button are flush with the support folding handle.

Hygienic solutions at the WC

The toilet brush set and the toilet paper holder from System 900 are made of high-quality materials. Stainless steel has a non-porous and therefore particularly hygienic surface. Minimal maintenance is sufficient to prevent the accumulation of dirt or microorganisms. The material is robust and insensitive to scratches. Stainless steel products are extremely resistant to cleaning agents and disinfectants. The inner container can be removed for optimal cleaning.

Hygiene solutions in the shower

Hygiene is a decisive factor for use in the hospital sector. Angled handles and Shower handrails from System 900 are made from as few components as possible, so that only a very small number of joints are created. Due to a particularly precise manufacturing process, components are joined together in such a way that the surface is as smooth and hygienic as possible.

Hygienic sealing element

The shower seats are characterised by a hygienic surface that is easy to clean. Due to wall unevenness, the fixing rosette is often not completely flush with the wall. Sealing elements can be used to achieve a fast and reliable seal. The wall brackets of the shower seats, the support folding handles and the fastening rosettes of the handles from system 900, can be equipped with it. The design of the products ensures that water does not accumulate on the surface, but runs off.