Introduction
When it comes to healthcare projects, speed, hygiene, and compliance are absolutely critical. Modular IPS for healthcare environments are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for trusts and contractors tasked with delivering large-scale facilities.
To explore why, we sat down with our Specification & Design Lead at Trovex, to discuss the benefits of modular integrated plumbing systems - specifically Trovex Hygipod IPS.
Why Modular IPS Makes Sense in Healthcare
Two primary reasons why modular integrated plumbing systems are well-suited to healthcare projects. First, modular IPS units can be installed quickly without the need for a complex first-fix framework running the entire length of a wall. Traditional plumbing installation requires multiple trades to build boxing, fix pipework, and install fittings on site, which is time-consuming and disruptive. In contrast, modular IPS panels come prefabricated and ready to place and secure, dramatically speeding up installation.
Second, the finish achieved with modular IPS is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. When a wall of Hygipod IPS panels is installed, the result is an almost seamless surface. Using colour-matched silicone to seal joints creates a continuous, hygienic wall that is difficult to replicate with traditional frameworks. This streamlined appearance not only enhances the washroom environment but also supports infection control efforts by eliminating gaps and flash gaps where dirt and bacteria could accumulate.
The Top Three Benefits for Healthcare Clients
When asked to summarise the key advantages of modular IPS for healthcare clients, there are three main benefits:
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Compliance – The Hygipod IPS is fully compliant with HTM standards, featuring hinged and lockable panels designed specifically for high-infection-control areas such as sluices and Doc M washrooms.
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Ease and Speed of Installation/Maintenance – The system allows for rapid installation with fewer trades required on site, and offers simple, quick access for estates teams to carry out maintenance.
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Configurability – From compact half-height units to full wall layouts, the Hygipod IPS can be bespoke designed to suit any healthcare project, ensuring it complements the overall space and functionality requirements.
Hygiene and Infection Prevention Built-In
Healthcare washrooms and clinical areas demand more than just rapid installation, they must be designed for infection control and easy cleaning. The Hygipod IPS excels in this area because it features minimal joints, which eliminates many dust traps and hygiene risks common with solid grade laminate (SGL) panels.
The panels are thermoformed, meaning even the corners have no visible joints. The surface is made from durable PVC that is completely impervious to water, making it easy to wipe down and preventing water ingress. This design detail is crucial in healthcare environments where infection control is a top priority. The Hygipod IPS is therefore widely specified in sluices, clinical wash stations, and Doc M compliant washrooms, where hygiene standards are especially stringent.
Speeding Up Project Delivery
Prefabrication not only simplifies installation but also removes many supply chain challenges that can delay healthcare projects. Traditional integrated plumbing systems often require coordinating multiple suppliers for taps, basins, pipework, and framework, which can complicate logistics and increase the risk of on-site clashes.
With the Hygipod IPS, everything is supplied from a single source and delivered ready for installation. This includes pre-mounted taps and fittings, meaning contractors can install the units quickly and efficiently. The result is faster project delivery with less disruption, an important advantage when working in live ward environments that must remain operational throughout refurbishment or construction.
Making Maintenance Easier
The benefits of modular IPS extend beyond installation to make ongoing maintenance simpler and more practical. Estates teams have provided direct feedback on the Hygipod design, praising its ease of access.
Unlike systems that require heavy lift-off panels or specialist tools, the Hygipod features key-operated hinged lockable access doors that are simple to open. These panels can be configured in size to provide maintenance teams with full access to pipework and fittings, ensuring that routine maintenance can be carried out quickly, hygienically, and with minimal downtime.
Real-World Feedback
Contractors who have worked with the Hygipod IPS reinforce these benefits with positive feedback. we worked with one contractor who installed a single clinical wash hand basin Hygipod panel in under 50 minutes, a feat not possible with competing systems. This quick installation was achieved on a live ward with minimal disruption to patients and staff, satisfying both the client and the healthcare environment’s strict operational needs.
Do you need more information on specifying IPS for healthcare? Contact us:
