Privacy and hygiene are both extremely important for healthcare environments. Up until now, most hospitals have been using privacy curtains and traditional window coverings in patient rooms. The problem with both fabric and plastic privacy curtains is that they are difficult to clean. Research has shown that regular hospital curtains can harbor pathogens such as COVID-19 and drug resistant bacteria, including VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus)and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Instant Privacy
Switchable privacy glass is an ideal solution for hospitals, doctors clinics, dental offices and long-term care facilities such as nursing homes. Smart glass goes from transparent to opaque with the flick of a switch, providing privacy on demand.
Easy to Clean
Switchable glass and film are easy to clean, just like regular glass, and can be wiped down with alcohol as many times per day as necessary. Smart glass also makes sanitation procedures less invasive and time consuming as the glass does not need to be removed to be cleaned, unlike privacy curtains and blinds. Due to its light transmitting properties, it is also more obvious when glass is dirty and it is more likely to be cleaned regularly than curtains. During pandemic outbreaks such as coronavirus, the ability to easily and frequently disinfect surfaces becomes paramount in containment efforts.
Touchless Control
Switchable glass can also be controlled with voice command and other automated controls, eliminating the need for touch. This minimizes the chances that the glass will become dirty in the first place.
Less Noise Pollution
In addition to providing privacy, switchable glass products dampen noise and create a quieter patient environment. This plays an important role in patient recovery as hospitals can be quite noisy and adequate rest is essential to patient recovery.
Improved Access to Natural Light
Glass windows, walls, doors and partitions allow natural light to flow through spaces while acting as a barrier against noise and contaminated droplets shed by hospital staff, patients and visitors. Access to natural light plays an important role in staff and patient morale. Studies have even found that natural light reduces the length of hospital stays.
Extremely Hygienic
The reduced need for direct contact and easy cleaning associated with smart glass products makes switchable glass and film a hygienic, efficient alternative to privacy curtains and blinds. Antimicrobial coatings can be added to smart glass to further decrease its contamination risk.
Suitable for X-Ray Rooms
Any type of glass can be made switchable, whether it is X Ray glass, blast resistant or needs to meet any other special requirements. Simplify the type of glass required for a project and it can be made switchable through our lamination process where a PDLC (Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal) layer is sandwiched between two pieces of glass.
Enhanced Security
Smart glass and film are also ideal for nurses stations, reception areas and other healthcare areas where security is a concern. Instant privacy is a feature that makes smart glass invaluable for sensitive areas.
Operable Glass Surfaces
Switchable glass and film can be used on operable glass windows, walls and doors. Smart Privacy Glass offers innovative wiring solutions for a wide variety of scenarios including emergency breakaway doors.
Peace of Mind
Smart Privacy Glass and Film are backed by warranties and are built to last at least 20 years. Glass is also a timeless, elegant component of minimalist design and will never go out of style, making it a great long-term solution that will not look outdated.
Interested in learning more about how our smart glass and film can transform your medical space? Contact us today for more information or a free quote.