Beyond the Curtain: Why Modern ERs Are Saying Goodbye to Fabric Dividers
A better way to protect patients, streamline care, and keep infection risk under control
For decades, privacy curtains have been the go-to solution in emergency departments and hospitals across the country. But today’s healthcare facilities are rethinking that choice. Why? Because the traditional curtain—once considered convenient and cost-effective—is now proving to be a weak point in both hygiene and efficiency.
In a post-COVID world, hospitals can no longer afford to overlook the role that physical barriers play in patient safety and care delivery. Enter Rolascreen—the retractable, easy-to-clean, professional alternative that’s helping modern ERs say goodbye to the curtain once and for all.
1.Fabric Curtains = Infection Risk
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a persistent threat, and soft surfaces like fabric curtains can silently contribute to the problem. Research shows that privacy curtains can harbor pathogens including MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile—sometimes even just days after being laundered or replaced.
Why? Because curtains:
- Are touched by patients, staff, and visitors constantly
- Rarely get cleaned between patients due to time and labor constraints
- Absorb and retain bacteria, moisture, and airborne contaminants
This creates an environment where germs can spread unnoticed—and quickly.
Rolascreen offers a better way. Its smooth, non-porous surface can be disinfected in seconds, reducing cross-contamination and making hygiene protocols far easier to maintain between patients.
2.Soft Barriers, Hard to Maintain
While curtains may seem convenient at first, their upkeep tells a different story. Laundering, removing, replacing, and re-hanging curtains takes time, effort, and staffing—resources hospitals can’t always spare.
Consider this:
- Laundering costs add up quickly over time
- Staff often delay curtain changes due to the effort involved
- Inconsistent replacement schedules leave gaps in cleanliness
Rolascreen’s retractable design eliminates that burden. It doesn’t need to be taken down or replaced—just wiped down between uses. It simplifies your workflow, saves time, and lets staff focus on what really matters: patient care.
3.More Space, Better Flow
Curtains create clutter. They hang, drag, and take up valuable space in already tight ER and triage areas. They can also block access to beds, carts, or emergency exits—slowing down staff in critical moments.
Rolascreen is built differently:
- It retracts instantly into a compact base
- It stays out of the way when not in use
- It has one touch-point to open and close
- It creates privacy without taking over the room
For hospitals dealing with crowded conditions, flexible layouts, or hallway care, Rolascreen helps streamline the space—making every square foot work smarter.
4.A Smarter Standard in the Post-COVID Era
The pandemic reshaped how we think about infection control, especially in emergency and triage settings. Hospitals everywhere are now reassessing what qualifies as “standard equipment”—and fabric curtains are falling short.
Rolascreen is already being adopted by healthcare systems looking to future-proof their facilities. Why? Because it delivers:
- Easy disinfection
- Long-term cost savings
- Durable construction for high-traffic environments
- A cleaner, more professional appearance
In short, it’s a modern solution for modern healthcare challenges.
Ditch the Curtain. Upgrade to Rolascreen.
If your facility is still relying on fabric privacy dividers, it’s time for a change. Rolascreen isn’t just a cleaner, faster, and safer alternative—it’s a smarter standard for healthcare spaces that demand more from every product they use.
Unlike other screens that take up space even when not in use, Rolascreen is the only privacy screen that retracts instantly, giving hospitals the ability to maximize space while maintaining patient privacy.
