Hospitals are meant to be places of healing, yet hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect 1 in 31 patients each day, according to the CDC. With bacteria lingering on frequently touched surfaces, including hospital curtains, preventing infections is a constant challenge. Healthcare facilities need solutions that reduce the spread of bacteria, improve hygiene, and keep patients safe without increasing the workload on already overburdened staff.
One often-overlooked solution is the replacement of traditional hospital curtains with non-porous, easy-to-clean privacy screens. Rolascreen’s retractable privacy screens offer a superior alternative, helping hospitals control infections while maintaining patient dignity. Unlike traditional fabric curtains, Rolascreen is made from a non-porous material that can be easily disinfected in seconds, reducing the risk of contamination between patient interactions.
How Traditional Curtains Contribute to the Spread of Infections
Fabric privacy curtains have been used in hospitals for decades, but they come with serious infection control risks. Studies have shown that within just a few days of being installed, curtains become contaminated with bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. The problem is that while these curtains are meant to provide privacy, they frequently come into contact with staff, visitors, and patients, transferring bacteria between individuals.
Some of the biggest concerns with hospital curtains include:
- Rarely cleaned – Curtains are often changed only when visibly soiled, allowing bacteria to build up over time.
- Frequent contact points – Healthcare workers touch curtains multiple times per shift, unknowingly spreading germs.
- Difficult to replace – Changing and laundering fabric curtains is a time-consuming process, requiring additional staff time and resources.
With infection rates rising, hospitals need a more practical and hygienic alternative to fabric curtains.
Why Rolascreen is a Better Solution for Infection Control
Hospitals looking to enhance patient safety are switching to Rolascreen retractable privacy screens because of their easy-to-clean, bacteria-resistant surface. Unlike curtains that trap germs and require frequent laundering, Rolascreen offers:
1. Instant Disinfection
The smooth, non-porous surface of Rolascreen allows healthcare staff to quickly wipe down and disinfect the screen between patient interactions using standard hospital-grade cleaners. This reduces the likelihood of bacteria lingering on surfaces and transferring between patients.
2. No Fabric to Trap Germs
Traditional privacy curtains absorb moisture, dust, and bacteria, making them a breeding ground for harmful pathogens. Rolascreen’s hard, smooth surface does not retain bacteria, allowing for a much more hygienic environment.
3. Reduced Cross-Contamination
Unlike curtains that require frequent touching to open or close, Rolascreen can be maneuvered with minimal contact, lowering the chances of bacteria spreading between patients.
4. Faster Room Turnover
When patient rooms need to be cleaned and prepped for the next occupant, fabric curtains slow down the process because they must be removed, laundered, and reinstalled. Rolascreen allows staff to disinfect and reset a space in seconds, helping hospitals operate more efficiently.
5. Long-Term Cost Savings
While fabric curtains require regular replacement and laundering, Rolascreen is a long-term investment that reduces the need for frequent purchases and maintenance. By improving hygiene and reducing infection rates, hospitals can lower the costs associated with extended patient stays and infection treatments.
Hospitals That Have Made the Switch
Healthcare facilities across the country are recognizing the benefits of switching to Rolascreen’s modern privacy solutions. Many have reported:
- Lower infection rates after removing traditional curtains.
- Faster patient turnaround times due to easier cleaning protocols.
- Improved staff efficiency by reducing time spent replacing curtains.
- Higher patient satisfaction, as Rolascreen provides a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.
As one healthcare facility administrator shared, “Switching to Rolascreen was one of the best decisions we made for infection control. The ability to clean it instantly has made a noticeable difference in patient safety.”
A Smarter Choice for Infection Prevention
With hospital-acquired infections posing a serious risk to patient safety, outdated privacy solutions like fabric curtains are no longer practical. Hospitals must embrace modern, hygienic alternatives that reduce contamination risks, improve efficiency, and enhance patient care.
Rolascreen is the ultimate solution for healthcare facilities looking to improve infection control while maintaining a comfortable and private environment for patients.
Contact us today to learn how Rolascreen can help reduce infections and improve hospital efficiency.
