Medical curtains 

A brief history of the use of curtains for privacy in hospitals 

The use of privacy curtains in hospitals can be traced back to the early 20th century. At the time, hospitals were overcrowded, and patients were often placed in large wards with little privacy. To provide patients with more privacy, hospitals began to install curtains around beds. These curtains were typically made of heavy fabric and were used to separate patients and create a more private space. 

During the 1950s and 1960s, hospitals began to focus more on patient privacy and began to install more permanent partitions between beds. These partitions were typically made of metal or plastic and were designed to provide more privacy and reduce noise. 

In the 1970s and 1980s, hospitals began to focus more on infection control and privacy curtains began to be made of more durable, washable materials. This helped to reduce the spread of infection and increase the longevity of the curtains. 

Today, privacy curtains are common part of hospital design and are used in most patient rooms. They are typically made of washable, fire-retardant materials and are designed to provide patients with privacy and reduce noise. They also play an important role in infection control by creating barriers between patients and reducing the spread of disease. 

Types of medical curtains 

Vinyl or polypropylene privacy curtains 

These curtains are made of vinyl or polypropylene material and are designed to be durable, resistant to moisture and easy to clean. They are often used in areas where there is a high risk of infection, such as in operating rooms or isolation rooms. 

Fabric hospital curtains 

These privacy curtains are made from a variety of natural or synthetic materials and are designed to be more visually appealing. They are often used in patient rooms and other areas where patients will be spending a significant amount of time. 

Disposable curtains 

These medical curtains are often made of lightweight, non-woven materials such as paper or polypropylene, and are typically less durable than traditional curtains made of fabric or vinyl. They are designed to be thrown away after use and therefore eliminate the need for laundering which can be costly and less convenient for hospital staff to administer. Disposable curtains must be changed regularly in order to reduce the risk of cross-infection. 

Mesh privacy curtains 

These medical curtains are made of a mesh material and are designed to provide privacy while allowing light and air to pass through. They are often used in areas where there is a need for increased ventilation, such as in recovery rooms. 

Anti-bacterial curtains 

Anti-bacterial curtains are privacy curtains that are treated with an anti-bacterial or anti-microbial agent, which helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms on the surface of the curtain. They are often used in areas where there is a high risk of infection, such as in operating rooms, isolation rooms, and other areas where patients or staff may be at risk of infection. 

How to hang medical curtains – fixing options 

The type of fixing used will depend on the facility’s preference, the regulations, and the intended use of the curtains. Some facilities may prefer one option over another due to ease of use, cost, and maintenance. 

Curtain tracks 

Curtain tracks are a popular option for hanging hospital curtains. They are typically made of metal or plastic and are designed to be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Curtain tracks can be straight or bent to fit the shape of the room and can be used to create a variety of different configurations, such as straight runs, bays, or circles. 

Curtain rods 

Curtain rods are another popular option for hanging medical curtains. They are typically made of metal or plastic and are designed to be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Curtain rods can be straight or bent to fit the shape of the room in a similar way to curtain tracks. 

Hook and loop fasteners 

Hook and loop fasteners, also known as Velcro, are a popular option for hanging privacy curtains. They are typically used to attach curtains to a track or rod and can be adjusted to fit the size of the curtain. 

Grommets 

Grommets are metal rings that are inserted into the top of the curtain, they provide a secure and durable way to hang a medical curtain. They are typically used with hooks or rings that are mounted on a track or rod. 

Snap fasteners 

Snap fasteners are similar to grommets, but they are made of plastic, they provide a secure and easy to use way to hang the curtain. They are typically used with hooks or rings that are mounted on a track or rod. 

Magnetic fasteners 

Magnetic fasteners are a newer option, they consist of two parts, a magnetic strip that is mounted on the wall or ceiling, and a magnetic strip that is sewn into the curtain. They provide a secure way to hang the curtain and are easy to use.