Infection prevention is a critical concern for the NHS and all healthcare environments. At Trovex, we’re dedicated to developing products that prioritise hygiene, durability, and functionality. One standout feature of our Hygipod IPS system is its innovative access doors and hatches, designed with infection control in mind.
We caught up with Arne Cowley, one of Trovex’s Project Consultants, to explore how these features contribute to better hygiene and practical maintenance in healthcare spaces.
Traditional IPS systems often use solid grade laminate panels that are heavy, difficult to remove, and can leave gaps that are hard to clean. The Hygipod IPS redefines this standard with a more innovative, hygienic solution.
Arne explains:
“The Hygipod IPS system makes access for installation and ongoing maintenance simple and hassle-free. Its hinged access doors provide full 550mm wide openings and open to 180 degrees, giving installers and maintenance teams easy access to pipework, installation brackets, and more.”
The hinged design features projection hinges, which ensure there are no inaccessible gaps when the door is open. This eliminates potential cleaning blind spots, making it easier to maintain hygiene and reduce contamination risks.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Hygipod IPS is how the PVC material projects around the door. This design creates a PVC-to-PVC contact seal when the door is closed, effectively restricts water ingress.
Arne elaborates:
“When the door is closed and locked, it pulls tight creating a seal that restricts water from entering. Whether it’s from cleaning or splashes from the sink, the water simply runs down the front or around the lip of the door.”
The Hygipod IPS range includes a half-height version, ideal for installations where there may be obstructions like windows. Instead of the full hinged door, this version features a removable panel that retains the same PVC-to-PVC overlap for water resistance and hygiene.
According to Arne:
“Even on the half-height Hygipod IPS, we’ve ensured that infection prevention is a priority. While it’s not hinged like the full-height version, it still features the same PVC overlap to maintain the hygienic seal.”
The Hygipod IPS system’s innovative access doors and hatches align perfectly with the needs of modern healthcare environments. By making maintenance easier, reducing inaccessible gaps, and ensuring watertight seals, the system helps healthcare facilities maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control.