Disposable Curtains

CQC Help Guide For Disposable Curtains Used in Hospitals, GP Surgeries & Clinics

Do we need to use disposable curtains and how do disposable curtains compare with the cost of using conventional curtains? You do not have to replace material curtains with disposable curtains, however the CQC will expect to see a system in place which is followed to ensure they are visibly clean and are changed or washed regularly. The paperwork involved in conventional curtains is more open to failure whilst Marlux disposable curtains actively prevent the growth of bacteria and can be wiped to remove grubby marks, taking up less time. We find that disposable curtains cost less in laundry costs, time, paperwork and hassle.

How often do we need to change our disposable curtains? CQC advises every 6 months - the label on them allows you to keep track of this. (See  http://www.cqc.org.uk/content/gp-mythbuster-6-guidance-about-curtains for CQC curtain advice.)

Number of disposable curtains needed: Same as number of rooms but at least a few spare in case they are soiled. Usually practices buy enough for twice the rooms so if none are soiled they have enough for the next scheduled change. Boxes are cheaper than singles.

What is their expiry? They do not have an expiry date, the Microban will last as long as the disposable curtains. As these are made of polypropylene they will last for a long, long time. You can therefore take advantage of the cheaper price on a box even if it will take you years to use them.

Are they paper curtains? Many GP surgeries know disposable curtains as paper curtains, however although they feel a bit like paper towel, they are actually polypropylene. Marlux disposable curtains have an inbuilt Microban technology as well. They are wipe clean and much more suitable for infection control than actual paper.

What to do with them afterwards: Unsoiled disposable curtains can be recycled as they are polypropylene. Soiled curtains to follow your surgery's procedure on clinical waste. 

Does the antimicrobial treatment wipe off easily? The Microban technology in Marlux disposable curtains is built in at manufacture so this cannot be wiped off. Daily grime can be wiped off.

What hook system do I need? Most surgeries have rails left over from cloth curtains. If you have track gliders which run along inside the track slit and S-Shaped (Seahorse) hooks attached to these hanging down - easy! You need the Universal (Eyelet) disposable curtains. The S-Shaped hook will go through this. If you have another system please call us for advice.

What size do I need? Straight or L-shape rails (1 long side and 1 short side of bed) = 4.2m however U-shape rails (2 long sides and 1 short side of bed) = 7.2m. If you are not sure call us.

What about the length? The length is standard at 1.95m. This should allow you to see a fallen patient behind it but not be too high either. If you have low ceilings the disposable curtains can be cut down with scissors. The disposable curtain is no more resilient than a paper towel to scissors but does not easily tear.

Reorder Marlux Curtains from the Code: U42/1950A, U72/1950A & U18/1950A are Universal Disposable Curtains. F42/1950A, F72/1950A & F18/1950A are Fast-Fit Disposable Curtains. G42/1950A, G72/1950A & G18/1950A are Uni-Glide Disposable Curtains.

Please note: The colours shown from the Marlux swatch photo are a bit off...Summer Blue is usually known as NHS Blue by some practices.

Any other questions about disposable curtains just call our knowledgeable team on 01865 261451.