In hospitals and medical centers, renovation is inevitable. Equipment needs updating, layouts evolve, and compliance standards change. But unlike in schools or office buildings, hospitals can’t just shut down a wing and tape off the area. Patients are still being treated. Surgeries are still happening. Immune systems are still vulnerable.

That’s what makes healthcare renovation so complex and why temporary wall systems are often the unsung heroes of the job. While they may not attract all of the attention or praise, these containment systems are critical for protecting patients, staff, and project integrity in live healthcare settings.

What is a temporary wall system? What makes them such a powerful solution in your healthcare setting? How can you make the best use of your investment? Today, we’ll dive into these questions and more to help you make a strong choice and keep your facility safer than ever.

What Makes Temporary Wall Systems Ideal for Healthcare Renovations

Temporary wall systems are reusable, modular barriers designed to separate active hospital environments from construction zones. Unlike flimsy plastic sheeting or makeshift barriers, they’re built to maintain airtight containment while withstanding the daily realities of a healthcare facility like foot traffic, noise sensitivity, and infection control.

Where standard plastic sheeting might sag or shift over time, a high-quality temporary hard wall barrier like STARC means that you can confidently seal off an area of your facility for high-risk areas like active construction. These systems are built for environments where compliance, control, and care can’t be compromised.

Why Airtight Containment Is Non-Negotiable in Patient Care Areas

Why does containment matter so much during renovation?

Every construction project kicks up dust. But in hospitals, dust is a bigger problem than just annoying noises or making the staff sneeze. In reality, it’s a vehicle for pathogens. It can carry bacteria, fungal spores like Aspergillus, and other airborne contaminants that pose serious health risks, especially in units like:

• ICUs
• Surgical suites
• Oncology departments
• Long-term care wings

According to infection control guidelines and ICRA standards, controlling airborne contamination during construction is non-negotiable. Temporary hard wall barriers are specifically engineered to support these goals. 

4 Ways Temporary Wall Systems Outperform Other Barriers

Here’s what sets high-quality temporary wall systems apart in the healthcare environment:

• Airtight Seals

Precision-fitted panels prevent air leaks and reduce the risk of dust migration.

• Quiet Installation

No drilling, no chaos—many systems can be installed with minimal noise, preserving the healing environment.

• Clean Appearance

Sleek, professional surfaces look appropriate in public-facing or high-traffic patient areas.

• Reusability

Unlike disposable plastic, systems like STARC’s can be reused across multiple projects or phases, making them cost-effective and environmentally smarter.

Meet STARC RealWall™: Built for Active Healthcare Construction

When healthcare renovations happen in occupied spaces, containment systems must do more than just block off a workspace — they must actively protect patients and staff from dust, noise, and disruption. That’s exactly where the STARC® Systems RealWall™ excels.

This isn’t your average barrier. The RealWall system is engineered to provide the appearance and performance of a real wall, with key advantages that go far beyond basic dust control.

Built to Contain, Designed to Impress

At first glance, a STARC RealWall setup might look like a permanent fixture in your facility thanks to its high-gloss, hospital-grade finish and clean, professional appearance. But, behind that visual polish is a powerful containment system engineered for quick deployment and airtight control:

• Modular and Flexible: Available in four different panel sizes with corner options, swinging doors, self-closing sliders, and negative air panels that allow complete customization for any floor plan.
  
  
• Easy to Install: Thanks to its lift-mate drop connection system, your team can install up to 100 linear feet per hour with minimal tools and training, keeping renovation timelines on track.
  
  
• Environmentally Friendly: Unlike disposable enclosures, RealWall is fully reusable and easy to sanitize. Its rugged aluminum construction is built for long-term performance over hundreds of installations.

Why Do Leading Healthcare Facilities Count on RealWall™?

When you choose RealWall for your renovation project, you’re getting:

• Durability: Aluminum-framed panels with an insulated core stand up to long-term use and tough environments
• Compliance: Meets or exceeds Class IV and V ICRA standards for infection control
• Sound Reduction: Up to 25 dB reduction keeps patient areas quieter during construction
• Speed: Quick, tool-free installation minimizes disruption to hospital operations
• Custom Fit: Panels, doors, corners, and air integration allow configuration for any space
• Professional Appearance: High-gloss panels maintain trust and presentability in patient-facing areas
• Sustainability: Reduce waste and environmental impact with reusable, cleanable materials

Where Temporary Wall Systems Protect Your Patients

Temporary wall systems play a critical behind-the-scenes role in healthcare renovations. They’re used every day in real projects to keep patients safe and facilities running smoothly. 

Here are a few places where they make a big difference:

ICU Renovations

Help maintain strict infection control protocols in high-risk environments.

Emergency Department Upgrades

Support ongoing operations by minimizing disruption and maintaining safe, accessible patient areas.

Surgical Suite Expansions

Prevent cross-contamination in sterile zones, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Long-Term Care Wing Repairs

Provide added protection for vulnerable populations from dust, noise, and airborne contaminants.

Containment That Protects Lives, Projects, and Peace of Mind

Temporary wall systems may not be the flashiest part of a renovation, but in healthcare, they’re one of the most important. These systems quietly do the heavy lifting, creating a safe barrier between patient care and construction chaos. And when patient safety is non-negotiable, there’s no room for guesswork.

From infection control to noise reduction and compliance, temporary containment walls like STARC RealWall™ are designed to meet the real-world demands of healthcare renovation. They help ensure your facility stays operational, your timelines stay intact, and — most importantly — your patients stay protected.

Renovation in an active hospital is never simple, but with the right tools in place, it doesn’t have to feel like a risk. RealWall™ gives you the confidence that your containment strategy is as strong and professional as the care happening just on the other side of the wall.

Because when it comes to the health and safety of your patients and staff, cutting corners isn’t an option — and neither is settling for less than the best. Download our HEPA vs. ULPA Guide to learn how air filtration and containment work together to protect your environment from invisible risks.