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PVC Strip Curtains in NHS & Healthcare Settings: Infection Control
Healthcare settings — NHS hospitals, private clinics, care homes and GP surgeries — operate under stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) requirements. PVC strip curtains, when correctly specified and maintained, can contribute positively to infection control programmes in clinical and non-clinical areas.
Where PVC Strip Curtains Are Used in Healthcare
- Decontamination and sterile services (CSSD) — clean/dirty corridor barriers
- Hospital kitchens and catering — cold room and delivery area barriers
- Pharmacy stores and dispensary access
- Mortuary and post-mortem facility access barriers
- Medical equipment stores and warehouses
- Laundry and linen processing — separating clean and dirty linen areas
- Loading bays and goods inward — pest control and temperature management
- Non-clinical areas: maintenance workshops, plant rooms
HTM Standards & Material Requirements
Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs) establish that surfaces must be smooth, impervious, and capable of withstanding repeated cleaning and disinfection. PVC strip curtains meeting healthcare-grade specifications — smooth, non-porous, chemically resistant — can meet these requirements in appropriate areas.
For higher IPC requirements, anti-microbial PVC provides additional protection. Browse our clear food-grade and hygiene PVC strip curtains.
Cleaning & Decontamination
- Wipe with NHS-approved surface disinfectant/detergent; allow specified contact time
- Verify cleaning product compatibility with PVC before use
- Daily cleaning in higher-risk areas (kitchens, decontamination); weekly in low-risk areas
- Include in cleaning specification and schedule document
- Replace strips showing yellowing, cracking or deformation
IPC Risk Assessment
Before installation in any healthcare area, complete an IPC risk assessment addressing:
- Is the area clinical or non-clinical?
- What is the patient/resident access risk?
- What cleaning regime and products will be used?
- Is standard PVC adequate, or is anti-microbial/food-grade required?
In NHS settings, consult the local IPC team before installation in any area used by or adjacent to patients.
NHS Procurement
PVC strip curtains are typically purchased through departmental budgets. Consider standardising specification across all applicable areas and including in the estates asset register for planned maintenance. Our pedestrian PVC strip curtains are available in quantities suitable for NHS framework purchasing.