Rethinking overlooked equipment in the fight to control hospital expenses and improve patient safety.
The average U.S. hospital now spends over $3,300 per inpatient per day — and in some states, that number soars well past $5,000. These expenses include staffing, supplies, treatment, and overhead, but what’s often missed are the costs hiding in plain sight: inefficiencies, infections, and outdated equipment.
One of those “small” items? Privacy curtains.
At Rolascreen, we understand the connection between overlooked tools and outsized costs. That’s why our team is helping hospitals rethink the role of the humble privacy divider — and how something as simple as switching from fabric curtains to non-porous, retractable screens can make a measurable impact on infection prevention, patient throughput, and the bottom line.
The High Cost of an Extra Hospital Day
According to recent data published in Becker’s Hospital Review, inpatient expenses have reached historic highs — with hospitals in states like Oregon spending nearly $5,800 per patient per day. Even the national average for nonprofit hospitals is over $3,200.
Why does this matter? Because when preventable issues extend a patient’s stay — like delays in room turnover or avoidable infections — it’s not just a care concern. It’s a financial one.
Infections That Cost More Than You Think
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect roughly 1 in 31 patients on any given day and can add $20,000–$25,000 or more to a single stay. One common contributor? Fabric privacy curtains, which studies show become contaminated with bacteria like MRSA within just days of being hung — and often aren’t cleaned or replaced between patients.
Rolascreen provides a smarter alternative: our mobile, retractable privacy screens are non-porous and easily disinfected in seconds. No laundering, no downtime, and no lingering contamination risks.
By switching to a cleanable, reusable surface, hospitals can reduce HAIs, minimize transmission vectors, and cut the costs of prolonged stays and non-reimbursed care.
Faster Room Turnover = Lower Operating Costs
Each hour a hospital room sits empty costs money. Delayed turnovers — especially after patients in isolation — mean fewer admissions, longer ER wait times, and a bottleneck in patient flow.
Unlike traditional curtains that require removal and laundering, Rolascreen can be wiped down on-site and made ready for the next patient within minutes. That means faster transitions, cleaner spaces, and a direct improvement in bed utilization and operational efficiency.
Reduce Recurring Costs and Maximize Longevity
Curtains don’t just spread germs — they require constant upkeep. Between laundering, re-hanging, and replacement, curtain management is a hidden but ongoing cost for procurement teams.
By contrast, a Rolascreen unit is a one-time capital investment that lasts for years, slashes linen service needs, and frees up budget and storage space. For high-volume units, the savings add up quickly.
Smarter Design Means More Flexible Space
With hospital occupancy expected to rise over the next decade, every square foot needs to do more. Rolascreen empowers facilities to create temporary bays, isolation areas, or triage zones on demand — no renovations needed.
And when not in use? The screen retracts neatly out of the way, giving back 100% of the room’s floor space. It’s the ultimate tool for healthcare architects and operations teams designing for adaptability and surge response.
A Small Shift That Saves in a Big Way
Reducing costs per inpatient day doesn’t require sweeping change — sometimes it starts with better decisions on everyday tools. Rolascreen’s portable privacy screens help hospitals:
- Lower HAI-related expenses
- Speed up room turnover and admissions
- Eliminate the hidden costs of curtains
- Maximize space flexibility and safety
Ready to rethink your approach to privacy, cleanliness, and cost-efficiency?
Contact Rolascreen today to schedule a demo and see how a modern solution can help your hospital save thousands — without compromising care.
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.
