ICRA Barriers That Wow: How Custom 12’ RealWall Panels Helped ODHS Balance Safety and Style
Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) barriers play a vital role in keeping patients, staff, and visitors safe during healthcare construction projects. ICRA guidelines help prevent infections that can spread through the environment, especially during renovation work in areas where patients are present. To meet these strict standards, temporary containment systems must create airtight seals. They also should support negative air pressure, following ASHE ICRA 2.0™ guidelines for infection prevention.
This need became clear during a hospital lobby renovation at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center. Midlothian, Va.-based Old Dominion Healthcare Services (ODHS) needed to renovate a space with a four-story ceiling. The team had to fill existing wall openings that were 11.5 feet tall to make room for new MRI suites. Throughout the project, the goal was to maintain a clean, attractive, and safe environment.
Challenge
ODHS needed temporary construction walls that wouldn’t interfere with the ceiling grid. At the same time, the solution had to create a polished look and meet ICRA barriers protocol to protect patients, staff, and visitors from dust and debris.
Solution
ODHS chose STARC’s RealWall™ system, using custom 12-foot panels to match the height of the wall openings. The freestanding RealWall panels, along with the RealWall Floor Panel Brace system, created an airtight, ICRA-compliant seal. A temporary ceiling barrier helped maintain negative air pressure, further supporting infection control efforts. This combination provided a quiet, clean, and professional-looking space with minimal disruption to the busy hospital lobby.
Conclusion
Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, a relatively new facility undergoing its first major renovation, found success with RealWall ICRA barriers. The system delivered an attractive temporary wall solution and set a high standard for future projects. RealWall offers more than just a good look. Its sound-blocking abilities and long-term durability make it a smart, reusable choice for healthcare spaces that demand reliable ICRA compliance.
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