HTM-Aligned Approach to Sink Base Units in Clinical Areas
Health Technical Memoranda (HTM) and Health Building Notes (HBN) place strong emphasis on infection prevention and control, particularly in relation to the segregation of clean clinical storage from potential sources of contamination.
Challenges with Traditional Sink Base Units
Base units containing sinks are not considered suitable for the storage of clinical stock.
These units typically incorporate open backs, service voids, and exposed plumbing, which present an increased risk from leaks, condensation, and reduced cleanability.
As such, storing clean clinical items within sink base cabinets does not align with best practice guidance.
Where a 1200mm wide or 1000mm wide sink base unit is used, a significant proportion of the cabinet width is therefore unavailable for compliant storage, resulting in inefficient use of space within clinical and treatment areas.
A More Compliant and Efficient Alternative
In situations where an inset sink bowl is being used within a worktop, a more appropriate solution is to use a smaller base unit, either a 600mm wide or 655mm wide base unit instead.
This configuration allows the sink bowl and associated services to be fully contained within one cabinet, while the adjacent unit remains fully enclosed, easily cleanable, and suitable for the storage of clean clinical stock.
Key benefits of this approach include:
- Improved compliance with HTM and HBN infection control principles
- Clear separation of services and clean storage
- More efficient use of available wall space
- Enhanced cleanability and maintenance access
By separating plumbing services from clinical storage, this design approach supports best practice healthcare design and ensures that valuable storage space remains fit for purpose.