Why Hospital Storage Design Is a Critical (Yet Overlooked) Infection Control Tool

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain one of the most pressing challenges in Australian healthcare. According to the latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, infection-related complications made up 37% of all hospital-acquired complications in 2022–23 - the most frequently recorded category.

Behind these statistics are real people: patients whose recoveries are delayed, families affected by prolonged hospital stays, and a health system burdened with additional costs. While hand hygiene, PPE, and antimicrobial protocols are rightly emphasised, the role of the physical environment, particularly storage, deserves greater attention.

Storage Systems: A High-Touch Risk Zone

In most hospitals, clinical storage systems are among the most frequently accessed surfaces. Staff members interact with them dozens, if not hundreds, of times each day to retrieve sterile and non-sterile supplies. Yet, many storage solutions still rely on legacy cabinetry and shelving designs that were never built with infection control in mind.

Sharp internal corners, enclosed recesses, poor ventilation, and difficult-to-clean surfaces create havens for dust, moisture, and microbial contaminants, especially in high-traffic or under-resourced areas.

Introducing STERIRACK®: Designed for Infection Control from the Ground Up

Rather than retrofitting outdated storage concepts, SpaceLogic’s STERIRACK® System was purpose-built to support infection control best practices:

• Rounded edges and seamless joins mean surfaces can be cleaned in a single, efficient motion - eliminating crevices where bacteria can hide.
• Ventilated wire shelving and baskets promote airflow and faster drying - key to preventing moisture accumulation, which is a known contributor to microbial persistence.
• Clear visibility and easy access reduce unnecessary handling, allow for proper stock rotation, and minimise cross-contamination risk.

Clinical evidence supports this approach. Research published in the American Journal of Infection Control has shown that bacteria can survive weeks on moist surfaces, but only hours in well-ventilated environments. When it comes to preventing infections, airflow is not optional, it’s essential.

Design That Supports Protocols and People

Beyond infection prevention, STERIRACK® helps healthcare teams work smarter. By streamlining inventory visibility and access, the system reduces wasted motion and supports lean healthcare principles. It’s not just about hygiene, it’s about efficiency, accuracy, and peace of mind.

At a 2024 panel hosted by the Australian College for Infection Prevention and Control, infectious diseases expert Professor Lindsay Grayson summed it up well:

“Environmental design needs to be seen as a frontline tool in infection control - not just an afterthought.”

Storage as Part of the Infection Control Architecture

As Australia continues to tackle antimicrobial resistance and care for increasingly vulnerable patient populations, every touchpoint in the care environment matters. That includes how, and where—we store critical supplies.

The STERIRACK® System isn’t just a convenient storage upgrade. It’s a clinical asset, a strategic infection control tool, and a reflection of modern healthcare priorities.

Let’s Rethink the Role of Storage in Safer Patient Care

Hospitals cannot afford to overlook the environments in which healthcare happens. By investing in purpose-designed, hygienic, and functional storage systems, we can reduce infection risk, support clinical efficiency, and improve patient outcomes.

At SpaceLogic, we believe storage design isn’t a side consideration, it’s central to safer care.