Holy Name Medical Centre Covid-19 ICU

Altro assists with an essential update to prevent the spread of COVID and other communicable diseases

Altro Whiterock, Altro Whiterock wall designs

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, countless healthcare facilities around the world were tasked with combating the spread of a newly discovered virus through increased treatment efforts and heightened safety protocols. In the US, New Jersey’s Holy Name Medical Center was at the forefront of the virus’ devastation, coping with an alarmingly high rate of new COVID case admissions. It became clear that in order for Holy Name to continue providing their patients with crucial life-saving care, their existing ICU space would need to undergo an essential update.

“Our ICU unit was built in the 1960’s and was in need of an upgrade,” stated Melissa Candela, Holy Name’s Manager of Design and Construction. “Our experience at the epicenter of New Jersey’s outbreak triggered an action plan to transition the outdated space to a unit with the highest technology, safety, and design standards, in addition to strong functionality.”

Candela explained that given the extreme hygienic precautions necessary to prevent the spread of COVID indoors, the hospital needed to prioritize interior finishes that could endure frequent cleaning and disinfecting routines while helping to create a design-oriented space with a patient focus. “We were looking for products that would help us maintain an entirely negative pressure patient room, that was sealed, and able to withstand the new cleaning practices being used for COVID.” Holy Name selected Altro Whiterock wall cladding and its decorative counterpart, Altro Whiterock wall designs, for use throughout the facility’s renovated ICU. “We decided to use Altro Whiterock on all of the walls inside the patient rooms and restrooms, so that every surface was cleanable and sealed. The Altro Whiterock wall designs allowed for us to use the wood finish as the patients’ headwall and select a neutral color for the rest of the room.”

Both of these inherently hygienic wall cladding ranges offer a continuously smooth, impact-resistant surface without gaps or grout, eliminating any potential hiding spots for harmful bacteria and viral pathogens that evade routine maintenance. This is especially practical in the case of Holy Name’s ICU, where thorough cleaning is vital in promoting the safety of patients and staff alike.

Following the ICU’s renovations, Candela mentioned that the facility is pleased with its new wall protection. “The product is durable, design oriented and the environmental staff are able to disinfect without worry of needing to repair the walls.”