Contract interiors specialist Gradus has supplied wall protection systems to Elmhurst Short Stay Service as part of a refurbishment project valued at over £1-million.
Elmhurst Short Stay Service on Whalley Road in Whitefield, Manchester provides respite care and is currently undergoing major refurbishment work to modernise its facilities, including creating new ‘hotel style’ bedrooms with full shower en suite facilities and communal rooms.
Supplied and fitted by Gradus, the first and second phase of renovation work has now been completed, with 3500W Dual Rail and 700i wall guards being installed in the main corridors of the building to provide safety and support to the customers, whilst also offering the benefit of surface protection.
The 3500W Dual Rail combines a timber handrail and PVC-u wall guard, linked together with a specialist bracket. This provides the ideal solution for Elmhurst, where many customers require additional support when moving around the building. The easy to clean PVC-u cover also provides a comfortable and safe grip, whilst offering effective protection against impact from wheelchairs and trolleys, thereby minimising maintenance costs.
The 700i wall guard has an internal impact bumper which provides superior impact absorption. The PVC-u covers are through-coloured and textured to conceal the effects of damage whilst the height of the 700i wall guard provides increased protection over a larger surface area.
Designed to meet the specific needs of healthcare environments, 3500W Dual Rail meets the guidance set out in the NHS Estates Health Building Note 00-10 and Health Building Note 00-04.
Installed in Oak and Wheat finishes, the profiles offer a contemporary design feature to enhance the buildings aesthetics, with the neutral colour helping to blend the profiles in with the walls for a subtle effect, whilst still providing Elmhurst with protection against impact and abrasion caused by foot and wheeled traffic.
As part of the renovation, 154 and 134 high impact corner guards were also supplied to protect the corridor surfaces against heavy-duty impact from walking frames or wheelchairs, which are used on a daily basis to help customers move around the building.
Corners are one of the most vulnerable areas of a building and damaged corners can be difficult to clean, harbouring dirt and bacteria. Corner guards are ideal for reducing maintenance costs and maintaining interior appearances, they can also be installed onto damaged corners to conceal existing wear and prevent further damage.
Joyce Hughes, Manager for Elmhurst Short Stay Service, said: “As the building is currently occupied we wanted to cause minimal disruption to the customers during the work. We therefore chose to complete the refurbishment in phases to allow parts of the building to remain open.
“Gradus’ wall protection systems not only complement the new interior, but are also durable enough to help reduce ongoing repair and maintenance costs.
“We specified Gradus due to the company’s proven track record in successfully supplying products for healthcare facilities. Initial feedback shows that the customers are very satisfied with the performance of the Gradus products.”
Lynette Bowden, Product Manager for Gradus, added: “We are pleased to be involved with this project. Thanks to our wealth of experience in healthcare environments, we were able to supply products that are fit for purpose, reduce maintenance costs and help to prevent accidents.”
Gradus has over 20 years experience of supplying wall protection systems to the NHS and private health sector.
