In hospital department construction, the material selection for nurse stations directly impacts medical efficiency, patient experience, and long-term operational costs. Many hospitals often fall into the trap of focusing solely on price and blindly selecting popular materials when purchasing, leading to issues such as disinfection corrosion, impact damage, and an awkward atmosphere. This article, based on the characteristics of different departments and medical scenarios, details the material selection criteria and adaptation options for nurse stations to help you avoid selection pitfalls.
I. Three Core Prerequisites for Nursing Station Material Selection (Key SEO Pain Points)
Before deciding on a material, it’s important to clarify the department’s core needs to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach:
1. Determine the Department’s “Intensity of Use”: High-Frequency Operations vs. Routine Operations
High-Frequency Operations Departments (Emergency Department, ICU, Pediatrics): Nursing stations see a large number of patients daily, with frequent handling of instruments and medications. Therefore, materials must prioritize impact resistance, scratch resistance, and easy cleanability.
Routine Operations Departments (General Medicine, Surgery, Rehabilitation): Low-frequency operations require a balance between creating a positive atmosphere and maintaining cost control while maintaining durability.
2. Determine the “Frequency of Disinfection”: High-Frequency Disinfection vs. Routine Cleaning
High-Frequency Disinfection Departments (Infectious Disease Departments, Fever Clinics, Operating Room Nursing Stations): They come into contact with alcohol, iodine, and chlorine-containing disinfectants. Materials must be chemically resistant and non-porous, preventing stains from accumulating.
Routine Cleaning Departments (Traditional Chinese Medicine Departments, Physical Examination Centers): Wipe primarily with clean water. Corrosion resistance requirements can be relaxed, prioritizing environmental friendliness and a sense of quality.
3. Match the “Space Atmosphere”: Professionalism vs. Warmth
Professional-Oriented Departments (ICUs, Emergency Departments): Emphasize medical expertise. Choose cool tones and high-hardness materials.
Warmth-Oriented Departments (Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geriatrics): Minimize the perceived coldness of medical care. Choose materials with a warm, soft texture and a soothing hue.
II. Comparison of the Materials Characteristics of Three Mainstream Nursing Stations (SEO Keywords: Nurse Station Material Types, Steel vs. Aluminum vs. Wood)
Hospital nurse stations are commonly made of steel, aluminum, and medical-grade wood. These materials vary significantly and should be matched to specific departmental needs:
1. Steel Nursing Station: Preferred for high-frequency disinfection and durability
Core Characteristics
Material Composition: 1.0-1.5mm cold-rolled steel plate, treated with an acid wash and phosphating process followed by an epoxy resin electrostatic spray coating. Some high-end models feature an antibacterial coating (≥99% antibacterial rate, in compliance with GB/T 39992-2021 medical standards).
Key Advantages: High impact resistance (can withstand collisions with treatment carts), chemical resistance (no fading or bulging after wiping with alcohol or iodine), fire rating of B1 (meets fire protection requirements for medical spaces), and a long service life (15-20 years).
Potential Disadvantages: Heavy weight (needs to verify floor load-bearing capacity), visually harsh (needs rounded corners). / Color optimization).
Applicable Departments
Required Departments: Emergency Department, ICU, Infectious Disease Department, Fever Clinic (high-frequency disinfection and high-intensity use require steel to meet stringent requirements);
Recommended Departments: General Ward, Surgery (frequent daily operations require high durability).
Selection Notes
Preferably choose “antimicrobial coating” models, especially for infectious disease departments;
The countertop thickness must be ≥ 20mm to prevent deformation from long-term equipment placement;
Corners must be rounded to at least 5mm to prevent collisions and injuries.
2. Aluminum Nursing Station: Lightweight and Flexible, Ideal for Departments
Key Features
Material: Made of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy (1.2-2.0mm thick), anodized and powder-coated with antibacterial powder coating. Some models feature an aluminum-wood composite structure.
Key Advantages: Lightweight (only 1/3 the weight of steel, adjustable by one person), salt spray corrosion resistance (suitable for humid southern regions or laboratories), flexible design (customizable curved/wavy shapes to accommodate unusual spaces), environmentally friendly and formaldehyde-free (meets environmental standards for medical spaces).
Potential Disadvantages: Slightly lower load capacity (single-layer load ≤ 50kg, unsuitable for large equipment), easily scratched surface (needs to avoid direct contact with sharp instruments).
Suitable Departments
Required Departments: Temporary outpatient nursing stations, laboratories (frequent relocation required, high chemical resistance required).
Recommended Departments: Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology (lightweight and customizable with soft color schemes to reduce the medical impression).
Selection Considerations
Choose a dual-treatment “anodized + spray-coated” model for improved scratch resistance.
If equipment is required, steel reinforcement panels should be installed.
Preferably, a modular design allows for future expansion (e.g., adding vaccine refrigeration).
3. Medical-Grade Wooden Nursing Station: A Warm Atmosphere, Suitable for Low-Intensity Departments
Key Features
Material Composition: Made of E0-grade environmentally friendly solid wood particle board or multi-layer solid wood panel (formaldehyde emission ≤ 0.05mg/m³), with a fireproof board or medical-grade wood wax finish. Some models feature solid wood veneer veneer.
Key Advantages: Soft texture (relieves patient anxiety), rich colors (customizable in soft tones such as wood color, light pink, and light blue), and flexible details (can be engraved with the hospital logo or Chinese patterns).
Potential Disadvantages: Poor water resistance (avoid long-term water exposure), weak corrosion resistance (not suitable for departments requiring frequent disinfection), and a short service life (8-10 years).
Applicable Departments
Required Departments: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Geriatrics, and High-End Private Hospitals (requiring a warm, traditional atmosphere);
Recommended Departments: Physical Examination Centers and Rehabilitation Departments (low-intensity use, prioritizing user experience).
Selection Considerations
Select “medical-grade, environmentally friendly panels” and provide a third-party formaldehyde test report.
Countertops must be laminated with fireproof board for improved heat resistance (withstands temperatures below 60°C).
Install an aluminum water barrier near the sink to prevent water intrusion.
III. Targeted Material Selection by Department: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (SEO Long-Tail Keywords: Emergency Department Nursing Station Materials, Pediatric Nursing Station Materials)
1. Emergency Department Nursing Station: Antibacterial Steel (Preferred)
Pain Points: Over 200 patients are seen daily, with frequent contact with emergency equipment, blood, and body fluids, requiring frequent disinfection (≥5 times daily);
Material Reasoning: Steel’s antibacterial coating resists corrosion from alcohol/iodine and offers strong impact resistance, preventing damage from collisions with medical carts;
Selection Details: 25mm thick cold-rolled steel countertops are used, antibacterial stickers are applied to the inner walls of drawers, and a designated area is reserved for disinfection equipment.
2. Pediatric Nursing Station: Spray-coated Aluminum (Preferred) or Wood Fireproof Panel
Pain Points: Need to alleviate children’s fears, frequent layout adjustments (such as adding a toy area), and occasional juice/milk spills.
Material Reasons: Aluminum can be customized in light blue/light yellow colors, is lightweight and easy to adjust; Wood Fireproof Panel has a soft texture, perfect for creating a playful atmosphere.
Selection Details: Aluminum features silicone anti-collision strips on corners, while the wood features waterproof fireproof panel tops and childproof locks on drawers.
3. ICU Nursing Station: Steel/Stainless Steel Composite
Pain Points: High sterility requirements (full disinfection three times daily), the need to monitor patient activity, and noise avoidance.
Material Reasons: Stainless steel countertops are easy to clean and disinfect, the steel frame is stable, and can be paired with glass partitions (without affecting observation).
Selection Details: 304 stainless steel countertops, antibacterial steel frames, and silent, damped drawer slides.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine Nursing Station: Medical-Grade Wood
Pain Points: Need to embody a traditional Chinese medicine atmosphere; patients are mostly elderly (needing a warm feeling); Low durability;
Material Reasoning: The wood texture aligns with TCM culture, and the light brown color can alleviate tension in elderly patients;
Selection Details: Multi-layer solid wood (anti-deformation) coated with medical wood wax oil, with auspicious cloud patterns carved along the edge.
Four.
5 Key Points to Avoid When Selecting Nursing Station Materials (SEO Keywords: Mistakes in Nursing Station Material Selection)
Don’t blindly choose “low-cost materials”: Some hospitals choose ordinary wood or thin aluminum, which can corrode/deform over time and require replacement every 1-2 years, increasing costs.
Confirm “medical compliance”: All materials must comply with the “General Technical Requirements for Hospital Medical Furniture” and provide antibacterial, fireproof, and environmental testing reports.
Don’t overlook “details”: Regardless of the material, corners must be rounded, joints must be sealed (to prevent dirt accumulation), and non-slip mats must be installed at floor contact points.
Allow “equipment adaptation space”: The material must support openings (such as for embedded computers and call screens). Steel/aluminum materials must have holes for wiring.
Consider “long-term maintenance”: Prioritize materials with universal accessories (e.g., universal steel drawer slides) to avoid missing parts during future repairs.
V. Summary: Logic for Nursing Station Material Selection (SEO Core Summary)
The core logic for selecting materials for nursing stations is: “Department needs → Material characteristics → Detailed adaptation.” Steel is the material of choice for departments requiring frequent disinfection and high durability, aluminum is the material of choice for a lightweight and welcoming design, and medical wood is the material of choice for a traditional atmosphere and low strength. Furthermore, ensuring regulatory compliance, reserving space for equipment, and paying attention to detail are crucial to selecting a durable, safe, and compatible nurse station material, reducing ongoing maintenance costs and enhancing the patient and medical experience.
If you require a customized nurse station material solution for your department, please leave a message with your department type and requirements to receive free customization recommendations.
