In the modern Nij Smellinghe hospital in Drachten, patient safety, comfort and hygiene are central. An essential part of this is the maintenance and condition of the sanitary facilities that are directly connected to the patient rooms. These so-called connected bathrooms are used intensively every day and are subject to moisture, temperature fluctuations and limescale formation – factors that not only complicate the cleaning process, but also pose a risk to the hygiene standard and the preservation of the building.
In order to continue to meet the highest demands in terms of hygiene, durability and ease of use, the hospital has opted for a specialist treatment of the tile surfaces, joints and sanitary fittings with the products Stone Coat and Polish & Coat. This innovative solution provides long-term protection against dirt, limescale and wear – without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.
Purpose of the treatment
The purpose of the applied treatment was:
- Preventing limescale and soap residue on tiled walls, joints and fittings
- Realising a hygienic, easy-to-clean finish
- Reducing cleaning time and use of chemicals
- Extending the lifespan of vulnerable surfaces
- Supporting infection prevention policies within a clinical environment
In a hospital environment, where every surface poses a potential risk of contamination, it is essential that contamination cannot adhere to pores, joints or on shower edges.
Products used: sustainable coating technology
Stone Coat, for tiled walls and joints
Stone Coat is a transparent impregnating agent based on high-quality silanes. It penetrates deeply into porous surfaces such as joints and ceramic wall tiles, where it:
- Forms an invisible, water- and dirt-repellent layer
- Prevents limescale deposits because water droplets cannot adhere
- Prevents mould formation in damp environments
- Simplifies cleaning without changing the original appearance
Polish & Coat, for fittings and smooth surfaces
In order to also optimally protect sanitary facilities – such as taps, shower heads, handles and soap dispensers – the surface is finished with Polish & Coat:
- Forms a satin-gloss protective layer
- Visibly reduces stains, drop formation and water spots
- Resistant to frequent use and cleaning
- Makes intensive descaling unnecessary
Easy maintenance and ecological advantage
A major additional advantage of this treatment is the simplification of the cleaning process. Instead of aggressive cleaning agents or descalers, using a damp microfibre cloth is sufficient to keep surfaces hygienically clean.
Benefits for daily practice:
- Shorter cleaning time per bathroom
- Less burden on cleaning staff
- No harmful fumes or chemicals in the patient environment
- Lower environmental impact and lower costs for cleaning agents
- Less wear on materials and joints due to scrubbing or acids
Hygiene standards and infection prevention in healthcare
In a hospital environment, everything revolves around control: control over risks, over the spread of micro-organisms, and over the condition of spaces in which vulnerable people stay. Treatment with Stone Coat and Polish & Coat:
- Prevents bacteria, fungi and biofilm from adhering to joints or on surfaces
- Supports compliance with hygiene guidelines from RIVM, WIP and healthcare quality marks
- Makes validation and control easier, because surfaces look and are clean
At a time when infection prevention is becoming increasingly important, this treatment offers a reliable, preventive layer of protection.
