Trovex Insights - Create hygienic user-centric spaces in healthcare

PVC hospital doors & healthcare IPS used at leading NHS trust

Written by Trovex | Jul 24, 2025 6:20:11 PM

James Paget University Hospital serves a population of 250,000 residents across east Norfolk and north-east Suffolk, along with many visitors to East Anglia. Named after the esteemed surgeon Sir James Paget, the hospital opened its doors on 21 July 1982 and has since been committed to delivering high-quality patient care in a safe, modern environment.
A key part of this commitment is the successful integration of healthcare IPS (Integrated Plumbing Systems) alongside PVC hospital doors and wall cladding, creating a consistent, easy-to-clean setting that enhances infection control and overall safety.

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Products featured: Location:
Hygidoor Orthopaedic Centre
Hygipod IPS James Paget NHS Hospital
Diamond wall cladding Lowestoft Road, Great Yarmouth
   
Watch our interview with the Head of Capital Planning, Richard Varvel:
 

PVC hospital doors

Richard Varvel, Head of Capital Planning at James Paget Hospital, emphasises the vital role of the Trovex Hygidoor system in the hospital’s recent projects. Known for its robustness and durability, the Hygidoor system is perfectly suited to demanding clinical environments that require a high standard of safety and hygiene. Its fast installation aligned perfectly with the hospital’s modular build approach, enabling timely project completion without compromising quality.


“We’ve extensively used Hygidoor throughout the hospital. It’s a very robust door, and the installation process is very quick, which was essential for our modular build. The architraves are a PVC-coated system too, which removes the need for a wet trade and speeds up the process" he explained.

The PVC-coated architraves further accelerated installation by eliminating the need for wet trades. The flush vision panels, fully encapsulated in PVC, simplify cleaning procedures and reduce contamination risks, supporting effective infection control. With over 45 colours and finishes available, the doors not only meet functional needs but also contribute aesthetically to the healthcare environment. This combination of durability, hygiene, and design flexibility has made the Hygidoor system a cornerstone of the hospital’s ongoing success.

 

The Trovex Hygidoor system feature flush vision panels as standard, entirely PVC encapsulated for simplified cleaning and enhanced hygiene, and is available in over 45 colours and finishes.


Healthcare IPS

“Hygipod has been ideal for our purposes in the hospital. It’s a very clean design with no need to remove panels, making it easy to clean. Plus, they come fully assembled, so the installation process is much quicker and easier,” Richard said. “It’s also a very robust product – exactly what we needed for this environment.”

Richard Varvel praises the Hygipod IPS's clean design, ease of maintenance, and robust construction, which withstand the demands of a busy hospital setting. Fully assembled and delivered prefabricated with taps and pipework pre-installed and air-tested, Hygipod IPS ensures a seamless, fast installation process that minimises disruption on site.

Installed throughout the hospital, Hygipod IPS provides clinical handwashing stations in treatment rooms and preparation areas. Its plinth system design raises units off the floor, allowing flooring to run underneath and ensuring proper water runoff during cleaning or accidental splashes. This thoughtful design detail helps prevent mould and bacterial growth, reinforcing the hospital’s focus on infection control and patient safety.

 

Doc M integrated plumbing system

Hygipod IPS being a versatile and highly configurable integrated plumbing system means it can be tailored to create comprehensive washroom layouts, including Doc M compliant washrooms. By combining multiple Hygipod IPS units with customised infills, it’s possible to efficiently route pipework throughout the entire room while keeping all plumbing concealed. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the washroom but also ensures a high standard of hygiene.

Richard spoke to the wider benefits of using PVC finishes across the hospital, noting their contribution to infection control. “We try to move away from painted walls and just go with PVC-coated walls and systems for the same reasons – easy to clean, easy to maintain. When you factor in the maintenance every few years that you’ve got to repaint, it’s a more cost-effective solution in the long run as well.”

The system’s hygienic PVC finish, minimal joins, and seamless integration with the flooring contribute to a washroom that is easy to clean and maintain. The raised installation on a plinth system allows the flooring to run up and under the units, ensuring that water runs off surfaces effectively, reducing the risk of mould or bacterial growth.

In a Doc M washroom, where accessibility and hygiene are paramount, Hygipod IPS provides a robust solution that meets all necessary regulations while offering a clean, modern, and user-friendly environment. Its flexibility allows for the creation of custom layouts that cater to specific needs. 

 

PVC wall cladding

To further enhance infection control and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements, James Paget Hospital opted for hygienic wall cladding in several areas of the new Orthopaedic Centre. The PVC finish provides a seamless, hygienic surface that is easy to clean and maintain, supporting the hospital’s rigorous standards for patient safety.

 

 

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