In clinical spaces, maintaining the greatest levels of hygiene is crucial. One area that plays a key role in infection prevention is the design and installation of Integrated Plumbing Systems (IPS) for hand wash stations. IPS Systems help create sterile, functional, and easy-to-preserve wash areas—particularly in busy medical settings where reliability and cleanliness can make all the difference.
IPS units are more than just places to wash hands—they’re purpose-built systems designed to support infection control, streamline maintenance, and ensure compliance with strict healthcare standards such as the NHS’s Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs). Their importance becomes specifically clear in settings where the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) must be minimised at all costs.
Designed with Infection Control in Mind
Traditional sink areas with exposed pipework and awkward joints can create hard-to-clean spaces where bacteria may accumulate. By concealing plumbing behind smooth, sealed panels and integrating the basin, tap and waste systems into a seamless unit, it helps to reduce the number of surfaces that need to be cleaned and eliminate hidden dirt traps
This makes the Virseal IPS unit effective in any clinical setting that demands consistent and thorough hygiene protocols, such as operating theatres, patients’ wards and laboratories. It sets itself apart with a one-piece carcase construction and zero joint lines, a design feature that directly supports IPC efforts.
The Virseal Ultimate IPS unit is manufactured with a one-piece carcase construction with zero joint lines, a design feature that directly supports IPC efforts. It is effective in any clinical setting that demands consistent and thorough hygiene protocols, such as operating theatres, patients’ wards and laboratories.
Ease of Maintenance
IPS units also make ongoing maintence more efficient as many systems are designed with removable front panels, giving maintence teams quick access to plumbing and services without need to dismantle walls or disturb surrounding areas. The Virseal Ultimate hand wash stations are supplied pre-assembled and include all wall fixing brackets for quick and easy installation. The removeable front panels are fitted with a Keku system that allows for straightforward access, which reduces downtime, supports quicker repairs and minimises disruption to patient care. A pre-plumbed IPS option is also available if required.
Custom Fit
Integrated Plumbing Systems (IPS) are typically available in both full-height and half-height configurations, allowing them to be adapted to a wide range of ceiling heights and room layouts-usually between 2400mm and 2800mm. This level of flexibility ensures a seamless, flush fit with different hospital design schemes. The Virseal IPS system offers these adaptable options to suit varying project requirements.
Flexibility with Standard Sizes
Standard-sized IPS units are commonly designed to accommodate key plumbing needs while maintaining a compact footprint. Dimensions such as 700mm wide x 200mm deep are often used to ensure compatibility with hot and cold water supply routes and hospital design schemes. Virseal’s Ultimate stand-alone IPS system follows this model for easy integration on site.
Duct Systems That Do More
Complementary duct systems help streamline installation and maintence. These often come pre-assembled with panel alignment features to reduce installation time and improve consistency. Virseal’s duct systems, for example, are fitted with pre-mounted panel clips that can cut installation time by up to 55%, making them a practical choice for contractors and specifiers alike.
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Here’s a sample case study to inspire and guide your own project.
