Winter has arrived with a bang right across Canada and with plunging temperatures comes every healthcare provider’s arch nemesis: flu.
Flu spreads in winter because people spend more time indoors and because the influenza virus can survive for much longer in cold temperatures. Coupled with the ongoing threat from Covid-19, including the new Omicron variant, and it looks like our healthcare system is in for another bumpy ride over the coming months.
The importance of surface hygiene in the fight against viruses has really come to the fore over the past two years – but for healthcare providers, it’s nothing new. Infection control professionals already know that maintaining good surface hygiene is critical to stopping the spread of flu and other illnesses. The difference now is that hygiene protocols in hospitals and other healthcare facilities have become much more demanding – and there hasn’t been a corresponding uplift in available resources.
As a result, healthcare buildings are looking for ways to streamline their current hygiene processes so they can achieve better infection control outcomes for a minimal investment of financial and manpower resources. With planning for the fiscal year end now well underway, upgrading surface protection offers clear benefits in terms of hygiene efficiency. Switching to PVCu surface protection is the smart choice for 21st century settings, for a variety of reasons.
Cleaner
PVCu surface cladding provides a smooth, non-porous surface that’s supremely easy to clean – and super tricky for germs to cling to. It’s highly durable and resistant to damage from even the toughest disinfectants, which makes it ideal for use in clinical areas, even operating rooms – and it can be safely hosed down for complete peace of mind on germs. For high traffic areas like hallways and wards, PVCu provides an easy-care surface that is simple to wipe down and stays looking good for long periods. It’s also thermoformable, so it wraps seamlessly around corners, windows and door frames, eliminating joints where moisture, dirt and germs can accumulate. This is highly significant in the fight against viruses like influenza and Covid-19, since they’re easily spread from one surface to the next by people’s hands. Overall, PVCu panels can reduce the amount of time your staff have to spend cleaning, while also improving hygiene standards – a win-win.
Safer
Unlike FRP panels, which are made from hazardous fiberglass, PVCu panels are completely inert and safe for use in healthcare settings. FRP releases harmful microparticles into the air during installation and also when it becomes damaged – for instance, if the surface becomes eroded over time. These particles can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and lungs. PVCu is safe during installation and throughout the life of the product, even in the unlikely event that the surface gets damaged during use.
Greener
As well as being healthier for people, PVCu panels are much better for the planet than their fiberglass counterparts. Where FRP is toxic, non-recyclable and difficult to dispose of, PVCu is a recyclable material and at the end of its 20-year surface protection lifespan, it can enjoy a whole new purpose as a park bench, decking boards, a speed bump or even a traffic cone!
If you’re currently budgeting for the fiscal year end and considering your options for a surface protection upgrade, speak to us today – we’ll be happy to put together a package that meets with your practical and budgetary requirements, while also boosting your facility’s long-term hygiene standards.
