Bespoke Decontamination Infrastructure

Queen’s Hospital, Burton-on-Trent

The Need

Queens Hospital, Burton-on-Trent sought to modernise its endoscope decontamination and sterile services facilities with high-quality stainless steel workstations that would support efficient workflows, rigorous infection control, and staff comfort. Their existing suite of furniture and work surfaces lacked precise fit, surface continuity, and robust construction, leading to gaps, compromised hygiene performance, and ergonomic limitations in high-volume clinical use. The sterile services manager wanted purpose-built solutions that would seamlessly integrate with the department’s layout, eliminate “dirt traps”, and provide a durable, hygienic environment for both clean and dirty processing zones.

The Solution

Neocare worked directly with the sterile services team to deliver an entire suite of custom-fabricated stainless steel equipment designed specifically for the trust’s decontamination workflows.

Key elements of the solution included:

  • Custom fabricated tables and work surfaces with integrated drawers for connector storage and designated spaces for writing and procedural documentation, optimising departmental workflow without clutter.

  • Purpose-made brackets and accessories, including dosing dispenser mounts that can be repositioned along sink runs to suit staff needs, improving chemical handling without impeding work areas.

  • Double drainer sinks positioned between workstations to facilitate manual washing and intermediate instrument processing, aiding segregation of clean and dirty workflows.

  • Interlocked pass-through hatches with integrated shelves, enabling safe and hygienic transfer of instruments and supplies between clean and contaminated zones while maintaining environmental separation.

  • Continuous benching and shelving in the gowning room, designed without breaks or joins where dirt could accumulate, enhancing infection prevention and ease of cleaning.

  • Ergonomic seating benches with clear under-seat storage to support staff during extended tasks, crafted to complement clinical workflows and wellbeing.

  • Antimicrobial feet and removable castors, offering both infection control reassurance and the ability to reposition units for deep cleaning when required.

All fabrication was executed in Marine Grade 316 stainless steel, with smooth-finish welds and precision detailing that meets ISO 14544 Part 5 requirements for cleanrooms and controlled environments.

The Outcome

The bespoke stainless steel installation delivered substantive operational and clinical benefits for Barnsley Hospital’s decontamination and sterile services teams:

  • Hygiene performance: Continuous surfaces, higher splashbacks, and precise fabrication eliminated gaps where bacteria or debris could collect, supporting infection prevention standards.

  • Ergonomics and staff experience: Thoughtfully designed workstations and seating reduced fatigue during instrument processing tasks and provided dedicated space for documentation and procedural steps.

  • Workflow optimisation: Clearly defined zones and strategically placed sinks, dosing dispensers, and pass-through points streamlined decontamination flow, reducing potential cross-contamination and improving throughput.

  • Robustness and longevity: High-grade materials and quality welding delivered a durable suite of furniture and fittings that maintain performance under continuous clinical use.

Staff feedback highlighted confidence in the equipment’s quality and cleanliness, noting the improvement over generic solutions and the tangible benefits in supporting safe, compliant decontamination practices.

Products featured:

Bespoke stainless steel decontamination tables, integrated sink runs, interlocked pass-through hatches, adjustable accessory mounts, seating benches


Environment:

Sterile services and endoscope decontamination departments