top of page

Maximizing Patient Privacy: Best Practices for Hospital Privacy Curtain Placement

Writer's picture: Chad AddieChad Addie

Hospital privacy curtains are essential for maintaining patient dignity, reducing distractions, and improving infection control. However, improper placement can lead to privacy gaps, restricted staff access, and hygiene risks.


This guide covers the best practices for hospital privacy curtain placement, ensuring optimal coverage, compliance, and ease of use for healthcare professionals.


Key Considerations for Hospital Privacy Curtain Placement


Proper placement ensures that curtains provide full privacy while remaining accessible for medical staff. When positioning privacy curtains, healthcare facilities should consider:


  • Track system type (ceiling-mounted vs. non-ceiling-mounted).

  • Curtain length and width to prevent visibility gaps.

  • Regulatory compliance for spacing and accessibility.

  • Easy movement for quick patient access.


Careful planning helps create efficient, flexible, and hygienic patient spaces.


Choosing the Right Track System

Different hospital settings require specific track systems to ensure smooth movement and proper coverage.


  • Ceiling-Mounted Tracks:

    • Best for high-traffic hospital wards, ERs, and ICUs.

    • Provides floor-to-ceiling coverage for total privacy.

    • Eliminates trip hazards since the track is suspended.


  • Non-Ceiling-Mounted Tracks:

    • Used in temporary partitions, outpatient clinics, and smaller patient rooms.

    • Offers flexibility in spaces where ceiling installation is not possible.

    • May require extra support to prevent instability.


For maximum efficiency and infection control, hospitals often prefer ceiling-mounted systems.



Preventing Gaps for Full Privacy

Improper curtain placement can result in gaps, reducing privacy and exposing patients to unnecessary distractions.


  • Curtain Length: Curtains should hang just above the floor to prevent dragging but still provide full coverage.

  • Overlap Between Sections: Ensure a 6-12 inch overlap between curtain panels to block gaps.

  • Track Extension: Tracks should extend beyond the patient bed to create a full enclosure.


For maximum comfort, hospitals should ensure no direct sightlines into the room from hallways or other patient areas.


Read more about privacy curtain solutions for healthcare.


Staff and Equipment Accessibility

Privacy curtains must be positioned to allow easy access while maintaining patient privacy.


  • Quick Access for Medical Staff: Curtains should glide smoothly for rapid patient care.

  • Patient-Lift System Compatibility: Privacy curtains should not obstruct patient mobility systems.

  • Adjustable Curtain Systems: Some hospitals use modular track systems that can be repositioned.


For staff working in ICUs, emergency rooms, and surgical units, smooth curtain movement is essential for efficient patient care.



Infection Control and Hygiene Considerations

Poorly positioned curtains can become a contamination risk, especially if they touch the floor, equipment, or patient bedding.


  • Ensure Proper Airflow: Mesh-top curtains improve ventilation and help reduce airborne contamination.

  • Avoid Floor Contact: Curtains should hang slightly above the floor to minimize bacteria buildup.

  • Routine Cleaning: High-touch areas, especially curtain edges, should be cleaned frequently.


Hospitals prioritizing infection control should opt for antimicrobial fabric curtains that prevent bacteria growth.


Read about antimicrobial hospital privacy curtains.


Best Practices for Hospital Privacy Curtain Placement

For optimal patient privacy and infection control, hospitals should follow these placement guidelines:


  • Use ceiling-mounted curtains for high-traffic areas.

  • Ensure curtain overlap to eliminate visibility gaps.

  • Allow quick access for staff and emergency procedures.

  • Position curtains slightly above the floor to reduce contamination risks.

  • Follow a strict cleaning schedule to maintain hygiene standards.


By implementing these best practices, healthcare facilities can create secure, efficient, and hygienic patient areas.



Additional Office Locations

For questions about hospital privacy curtain placement and installation, contact one of our regional offices:

  • Chicago, Illinois

  • Denver, Colorado

  • Tulsa, Oklahoma

  • Tampa, Florida


Privacy curtain placement is a key factor in hospital design. Proper positioning ensures patient comfort, infection prevention, and efficient workflow for medical staff. Facilities should carefully assess curtain type, track system, and placement strategy to improve both privacy and care efficiency.

1 view0 comments

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
Lorton Group Logo

The Lorton Group supplies Hospital Privacy Curtains . It manufactures and supplies multiple configurations of cubicle curtains, shower curtains, and tracks. We offer ceiling mounted and non-ceiling mounted tracks and curtains. Accessories are available for cubicle and shower tracks and curtains. We sell products and services to public/private hospitals, military bases, VA hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices, universities, general contractors, and distributors. Contact us now for more info on Hospital Privacy Curtains

Thanks for submitting!

© 2024 by Lorton Group. Website design and development by Karben Marketing.

bottom of page