Hospitals are cold environments for various reasons. Those in hotter areas have air conditioning systems that keep the temperatures as low as possible throughout the year while those in colder areas maintain the cooler temperatures in various rooms. The reasons hospitals are cold are highlighted below.
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1. For General Sterility of Hospital Surfaces
To prevent the transmission of illnesses and keep the environment sterile, hospitals frequently maintain colder temperatures. The risk of cross-contamination can be decreased by lower temperatures, which can prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses and other diseases. Cold air plasma has been used in many hospitals to decontaminate surfaces and prevent the spread of infections.
2. For comfort during Surgical Procedures:
Lower temperatures are necessary for operating rooms and surgical suites to guarantee the comfort of patients and medical personnel throughout lengthy surgical procedures. Lower temperatures also aid in avoiding perspiration, which can interfere with surgical equipment and jeopardize sterility.
3. Prevent overheating of High-Tech Equipment
Hospitals are home to a variety of sophisticated medical devices that produce heat. The facility’s ambient temperature needs to be kept lower to avoid overheating and maintain optimal performance.
4. For Medication Storage
Controlled temperature storage is necessary to preserve the efficacy of some medicines and medical supplies, such as vaccinations or blood products. To stop these delicate items from spoiling or degrading, these temperature-controlled storage spaces are frequently maintained cooler.
5. For Energy Conservation
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Large buildings like hospitals use a lot of energy. Hospitals can minimize operational expenses and reduce energy use by maintaining temperatures a little lower. These savings can then be used for patient care and other crucial services.
6. For Patient Comfort
While some patients may complain about the cold in hospitals, others can have diseases or needs that necessitate colder temperatures for their comfort and healing. For instance, people with burns, fever, or certain respiratory problems could find comfort and relief in colder environments.
7. For Surgical Recovery
Patients are frequently kept in recovery areas that are cooler after surgery to avoid issues like sweating, which can impede wound healing or be uncomfortable. Colder temperatures also constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding during surgeries.
8. For Airborne Infection Control
Cooler temperatures can help minimize the survival and spread of airborne pathogens, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. Proper ventilation and air circulation are essential components of infection control protocols, and colder temperatures can contribute to these efforts.
This keeps both patients and healthcare workers safe from getting infected by different pathogens harbored by hospitals from patients coming from different regions of the world.
9. For Staff Comfort
Hospital staff members are often required to wear layers of protective clothing, such as scrubs, gowns, and gloves, which can make them feel warm. Cooler temperatures can prevent the discomfort caused by these garments and help maintain the focus and alertness of medical professionals during long shifts.
10. For the Preservation of Tissue and Organs
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Hospitals are cold, especially in specialized units such as pathology or organ transplant departments. These lower temperatures are necessary for preserving tissue samples, organs awaiting transplantation, or cadavers for educational purposes in various medical schools.
11. To maintain the Sterility of Procedures
Certain procedures, such as wound dressings or dressing changes for burn patients, require a sterile environment. Cooler temperatures help inhibit bacterial growth and reduce the risk of infection during these procedures.
Cold hospital procedure rooms also numb the nerves and reduce pain felt during the procedures.
It’s important to note that while hospitals may be generally cooler, they also strive to provide comfort to patients and accommodate individual preferences within the constraints of medical requirements and infection control protocols. Temperatures are not kept too low to cause hypothermia. Patients who are already hypothermic are put in warmed rooms especially burn and trauma patients. Pregnant patients and newborns are also kept in warmer rooms.
References
Cahill, O. J., Claro, T., O’Connor, N., Cafolla, A. A., Stevens, N. T., Daniels, S., & Humphreys, H. (2014). Cold air plasma to decontaminate inanimate surfaces of the hospital environment. Applied and environmental microbiology, 80(6), 2004-2010.
Jalali, A., Norouzadeh, R., & Dinmohammadi, M. (2023). Accidental hypothermia and related risk factors among trauma patients in prehospital setting. Disaster and Emergency Medicine Journal, 8(1), 21-26.
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