Aug 9 2005
Gradus InPro Wall, Corner and Door Protection System has been installed within the new, purpose built, paediatric emergency department at Leicester Royal Infirmary, as part of a two-year refurbishment programme.
Working in consultation with the University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) NHS Trust, Atkins architectural practice looked to create a separate, dedicated and welcoming paediatric environment and establish bespoke areas for different age groups from children to adolescents.
Interior finishing products were required to combine both function and aesthetics hence Gradus InPro Kickplates were selected and used to create a bespoke ‘paw print’ design. The kickplates were installed to the door-ways in the child-focussed area and Gradus InPro Wall Guards and Corner Guards were also installed to protect areas exposed to high levels of heavy traffic.
Produced from Sanparrel PVC-u sheet (1.5mm thick), the kickplates offer the UHL NHS Trust a scratch resistant layer that provides protection to doors from everyday damages caused by the impact from trolleys, beds, wheelchairs and general traffic.
In addition, the bespoke cutting service, offered by Gradus, allowed the installation team to create the ‘paw print’ design easily and cost effectively by combining the complementary colours of Admiral (blue) for the paw print and Lily (yellow) for the background. This design was finished off with the bottom portion of the kickplate (200mm in depth) in Pewter (dark grey) to provide increased dirt and scuff hiding capabilities. To complete the interior protection system, wall guards and corner guards were selected in Admiral and installed throughout the ward
Installing the InPro range of products in the chosen colour scheme has also helped to meet the guidance set out within the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), allowing all door ways to contrast with the surrounding walls, ensuring that the UHL NHS Trust offered a space and environment conducive to the visually impaired. The implementation of colour and design as part of the wall, door and corner protection system was part of an overall objective to bring warmth, fun and happiness into the department. Previously the walls had been very bare, with children and visitors having little to look at and, as a result, the refurbishment plans set about creating different themes to appeal to the patients. The ‘paw print’ kickplates create a functional and durable design scheme that is easy to clean and maintain, at the same time as creating a visual landscape that distracts patients and ultimately helps them to relax.
The paw print design also fits in with the hospital’s own mascot designed for fundraising – Emergency Ed The Dog.
The new scheme also incorporates work from local artists and includes a range of murals and paintings to offer points of interest whilst colour psychology has been exploited throughout to support staff in providing high quality clinical care to children. Commenting on the ongoing refurbishment programme, due for completion Summer 2005, a spokesperson for the UHL NHS Trust said: “Patients, families and staff alike all love the ‘paw print’ design scheme. There has only been positive feedback from an interior finish that was ultimately created at minimal cost and yet ticks all our objectives of providing a finish that engages our users but essentially offers superior function and performance capabilities at the heart of its design”.
Gradus is a leading contract interior finishes company and offers a range of finishes including stair edgings and floor trims, barrier matting, wall protection, step and aisle lighting, contract carpets, upholstery and soft furnishings fabrics. The range can meet a diverse range of applications from healthcare and education to leisure and commercial office.
For further information log onto www.gradusworld.com or telephone Gradus Customer Support on 01625 428922.