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"Hospitality design is becoming popular," Aliber says. "That said — it's dif cult to design with grab bars and avoid an institutional feel." Additional comments on design trends were focused on showers, doors and fi xtures. "Curbless showers are still a must, with the fl oor sloping down to a drain and a shower curtain defi ning the zone," Nestor added. Derr says sliding door access to toilets has gained popularity; the design idea reduces the clearances required for the door and allows for automatic operation if desired. However — he cautions — since the sliding track needs to span the opening width, installation of patient lift transfer systems is more problematic. "Bariatric installations are important since wall-mounted fi xtures may not bear the weight," Derr said. "With fl oor-mount- ed fi xtures, cleanliness around the toilet, particularly behind the fi xture, is an issue. This is being solved by fi xtures that fi t tight to the wall — eliminating the area behind." A few words on safety For patient and guest safety, Kaminksi said, it's most important that a fl oor is not slippery when wet. "A good non-slip or slip-resistant fl oor material can take care of that problem," she added. "For patients trying to walk to the toilet in their room, the path can be perilous without the help of a handrail." Aliber added that water is always a hazard in terms of patient falls. "The smaller the bathroom, the harder it may be to control water on the fl oor and limit slips and falls," she said. "Grab bars may help — although a patient with weak arm strength may not be able to maintain their balance even with grab bars." She added that although grab bars may help to reduce falls, she cautions they could possibly contribute to the spread of infection. "They are typically dif cult to clean well and, as the number of grab bars increases, so does the possibility of infec- tion," she added. Many factors come into play when designing a well-thought-out healthcare restroom. By examining the latest trends and safety measures, the restroom can be seamlessly integrated and exemplify excep- tional care. healthcare restrooms Spotlight For more information on these products, visit mcdmag.com/products. Hand Dryer Delivers Unmatched Energy Efficiency World Dryer Corporation has in- troduced VERDEdri, an all-in-one high- speed hand dryer. VERDEdri uses 950 watts of power, making it the most energy-effi cient hand dryer on the market. Additionally, it is equipped with a HEPA fi ltration system to reduce airborne contaminates. Making installation even easier, the surface-mounted ADA-compliant hand dryer offers global universal voltage to accommodate any restroom environ- ment. ID#100 New Designs for Sensor-Operated Faucets Moen Commercial's M•Power line of sensor-operated faucets has expanded to include new modern and transitional-styled models, with looks that fi t with any design preference. These hands-free faucets are suitable for any high-traffi c commercial spaces. The sensor- operated faucets deliver fl awless reliability to start and stop the fl ow of water, which translates to water savings when compared to manual lavatory faucets. The above-deck design offers easy maintenance and simplifi ed installation: a two-piece body offers convenient access to the battery pack and faucet mechanics for faster, easier repairs — translating to lower maintenance costs and less operational down time for restrooms. ID#102 Sensor-Tap Restroom Collection Makes United States Debut Designed to sit and work together, the Ribbon sensor tap, a sensor soap dispenser and dryer products by Loveair, are faster with much less risk of splashing across a washroom and very quiet with the dryer operating 10 decibels lower than the average. The collection, cast from solid stainless steel, was re- cently launched in the U.S. High quality, built to last, fi t for purpose, fusing simplicity and fl air to create products of beauty, Ribbon is set apart by the simple idea of bringing together every stage of this basic process into one easy experience. Ribbon was developed using the very best British design, engineer- ing and manufacturing. ID#103 Lavatory System Offers Updated, Cost-Effective Multi-User Design Bradley Corp. has launched its Express ELX-Series Lavatory System — a contemporary alternative to china sinks and laminate counter tops designed for commercial restrooms. A step up from ordinary lavatories, the system is a cost-effective fi xture that is easy to specify, install, clean and maintain. With the look and feel of an individual lavatory, this streamlined hand-washing system provides the economies and conveniences of a group fi xture, which accommodates up to three people at one time. ID#104 Freestanding Patient Care Units Offer Seamless Alternative to Traditional Restrooms Whitehall Patient Care Units are an innovative alternative to traditional restrooms in healthcare facilities. The seamless single unit is complete with a swing-out toilet, bed pan washer, antimicro- bial custom resin countertop and sink. PCUs are ideal for all healthcare applica- tions, including behav- ioral healthcare institutions, hospitals, sur- gical centers and doctors' offi ces. ID#101 22 Medical Construction & Design | M AY/ J U N E 2015 | MCDM AG.COM