Why Are Hospitals So Cold All The Time?!
Hospitals can be chilly places. Have you ever wondered why hospitals are so cold or if they need to be that cold? There is a reason that they’re kept at an almost uncomfortably cold level. Keeping hospital temperatures cooler makes them better and safer environments. Below are some reasons that hospitals are so cold all the time.
Why Do They Keep Hospitals & ICU Rooms So Cold?
To Prevent Bacteria Growth
Hospitals combat bacteria growth with cold temperatures. Keeping cold temperatures help slow bacterial and viral growth because bacteria and viruses thrive in warm temperatures. Operating rooms are usually the coldest areas in a hospital to keep the risk of infection at a minimum. This is the same premise as food safety practices in the food industry that rely on freezers and refrigeration to keep food bacteria free for customers. This is also why a remote temperature monitoring system is the best way to keep hospitals running at safe temperatures.
Comfort of Hospital Staff
Staff members are constantly moving. For this reason cooler temperatures keep them comfortable. Maintaining a clean environment is critical for patient care, which is why temperatures stay cold, but it is advantageous for staff. Cooler temperatures also mean there will be less chance that hospital staff are sweating, and this in itself can increase safety. Air conditioning also helps to offset the heat bright lights produce during surgery.
Controlling Condensation
Air conditioning naturally takes humidity out of the air. This prevents condensation buildup on surfaces within the hospital. Condensation, which is brought on by humidity and warm temperatures, picks up bacteria and viruses. As condensation moves from surface to surface, it cross contaminates them. To combat this spread of disease and infection in the hospital room, cold temperatures and low humidity prevent condensation on sterilized surfaces, open wounds, and operating equipment.
Cold is Better Than Hot
It’s easier to warm patients up by putting on more layers, extra blankets, and even socks; but keeping patients cool is a harder task. A warm blanket is also comforting, which can help patients feel more calm while in the hospital.
Preserves Medication
In a hospital environment, maintaining proper temperature control is critical for preserving medications. Cold temperatures can slow down the degradation process and prolong the shelf life of many types of medications and even blood and tissues for transplants and transfusions. Refrigeration units and climate-controlled storage areas are used to store temperature-sensitive drugs such as vaccines, insulin, and certain antibiotics. Temperature management is carefully monitored for pharmaceuticals within hospitals, ensuring that medications remain safe and effective.
