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Opening Doors to Better Healthcare: The Power of Automation

Blog 38, July 2025

Healthcare facilities have long been at the forefront of promoting hygiene and implementing protocols to prevent the spread of germs. Our industry is proud of the rol we’ve played in supporting these efforts, while also enhancing accessibility—an essential aspect of healthcare environments.

At main entrances, automatic doors provide a welcoming atmosphere and help reduce the spread of germs by eliminating the need to touch door handles. Inside the facility, they contribute to a safer, more hygienic environment. According to the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM), the automatic door industry continues to evolve to meet the unique needs of healthcare and medical settings.

In critical care units (CCUs) and intensive care units (ICUs), where patients are most vulnerable, automatic doors are increasingly being used. These doors offer the same touch-free hygiene benefits and are easier to sanitize than traditional fabric curtains.

In narrow corridors, telescoping automatic doors offer an efficient solution. Standard sliding doors may be too wide, and folding doors can limit the size of the opening. Telescoping doors retract neatly, providing a wider and more functional entrance.

To optimize floor space, some hospitals are designing Jack-and-Jill restrooms shared between two patient rooms. Automatic doors eliminate the need for large swing areas required by manual doors and can include features to restrict access when the restroom is occupied, preventing unintentional entry by patients from the adjoining room.

Access control is another advantage of automatic doors. In medication rooms, doors can be integrated with a facility’s keycard system to ensure only authorized personnel can enter.

For areas where motion sensors aren’t ideal, touchless wave plates are becoming a preferred solution. These allow doors to open with a simple wave, requiring no physical contact while still providing intentional access—ideal for medical staff who need to maintain hygiene without sacrificing control.

Automatic doors play a vital role in healthcare facilities by promoting hygiene, improving accessibility, and enhancing safety. They help reduce the spread of germs by eliminating the need for physical contact while specialized solutions address highly specific access needs, optimizing space and functionality and aligning with the strict hygiene and security needs of medical environments.

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