5 Uses for Temporary Walls in Healthcare Construction

When you think of embarking on any healthcare construction project, you might start immediately spiraling, thinking about the headache of the undertaking. Construction and renovation projects can be expensive and very inconvenient, so when there is a way to save money and make the process more tolerable for patients and staff, you probably pay attention.

Temporary, modular walls, can make a huge difference in any construction project. These walls, which can snap together in a matter of minutes, are a cost-effective solution for many of the healthcare construction headaches you may face, including:

1. Noise Control

Construction and renovation can be a noisy proposition with hammers, drills, and saws going constantly and construction crews yelling to one another or stomping around. Using temporary walls can be a simple and cost-effective way to keep some parts of a facility functioning while others are under construction. Temporary barriers can reduce construction noise by up to 50%. In healthcare construction specifically, temporary walls can be a way to address patient comfort without slowing down facility needs. Of course, noise reduction can create a quieter, more comfortable environment in virtually any industry.

2. Dust Containment

In addition to causing noise, construction work can kick up a lot of dust. In a healthcare environment, a lack of dust containment can be a risk factor for hospital-acquired infections because the dust can contain bacteria, spores, or infectious viruses. Temporary barriers that are designed for hospitals should be ICRA rated for dust containment to maximize patient safety. While other options like a hospital anteroom can be appropriate for some construction applications, others will require more extensive walling off of the construction area, for which temporary barriers may be the best solution.

3. Infection Control

Speaking of infection control, temporary walls can be an extremely effective solution for temporary isolation rooms in hospitals and other healthcare environments. For example, when Ebola appeared in the U.S. in 2014, hospital needs for isolation areas in affected regions suddenly skyrocketed. With no time to build permanent structures, a situation like this becomes perfect for the use of temporary modular walls. Isolation rooms can be constructed in a matter of minutes, with ICRA Class IV containment ratings, allowing for negative air pressure and a safe isolation area.

4. Traffic Management

When a renovation project is underway, managing the flow of people into and out of an area can become tricky. With main entryways and thoroughfares closed off for construction, it can be confusing and even dangerous for patients, staff, or visitors to navigate a facility. Temporary walls can be an effective solution for traffic management. Not only can these temporary barriers block off construction areas, but they can also be printed with custom graphics to direct people exactly where they are meant to go, improving safety and experience.

5. Temporary Office Space

When you embark on any healthcare construction project, some segment of your facility will be closed off for regular use. In many cases, this means that nurses and staff that normally work in one area will be forced to relocate while the renovation is complete. Temporary walls can be a cost-effective solution that allows facilities to create new, discrete office areas for relocating staff. This can make the prospect of renovating that much more convenient for staff and therefore better for the facility overall.

Want to learn more about the benefits and uses for temporary walls? Download the STARC Systems catalog below.