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.
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 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:
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.
Here’s what sets high-quality temporary wall systems apart in the healthcare environment:
Precision-fitted panels prevent air leaks and reduce the risk of dust migration.
No drilling, no chaos—many systems can be installed with minimal noise, preserving the healing environment.
Sleek, professional surfaces look appropriate in public-facing or high-traffic patient areas.
Unlike disposable plastic, systems like STARC’s can be reused across multiple projects or phases, making them cost-effective and environmentally smarter.
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.
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:
When you choose RealWall for your renovation project, you’re getting:
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:
Help maintain strict infection control protocols in high-risk environments.
Support ongoing operations by minimizing disruption and maintaining safe, accessible patient areas.
Prevent cross-contamination in sterile zones, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Provide added protection for vulnerable populations from dust, noise, and airborne contaminants.
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.