Procurement guide: entrance matting solutions for NHS trusts

For NHS estates and facilities procurement officers, entrance matting is not a cosmetic afterthought — it is a frontline defence. In high-traffic healthcare environments, the right system protects patients and staff, reduces cleaning costs, and supports compliance with safety standards.

Key requirements for NHS trust entrance matting

Infection prevention and hygiene

Hospitals experience some of the highest footfall of any public building. Visitors, patients, contractors and staff track in moisture, dirt and pathogens. Procurement officers need to specify systems that:

•    Have a high absorbency rate for dirt and moisture

•    Will trap foot-borne debris

•    Can be cleaned and maintained easily

Seamless integration and flush fitting are essential in infection-sensitive environments, where they help to prevent trip hazards and dirt traps.

Slip risk reduction

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, NHS trusts must actively manage slip and trip risks. Wet entrances during the UK’s autumn and winter months are a primary cause of accidents.

Entrance matting should:

•    Provide high slip resistance in wet conditions

•    Rapidly remove surface moisture

•    Extend far enough into the building to allow multiple foot contacts (typically 3–6 metres depending on traffic levels)

Durability under extreme footfall

Major acute trusts may see thousands of visitors daily, alongside wheeled traffic from beds, trolleys and wheelchairs. Any entrance matting systems that are under consideration have to be able to endure:

•    Heavy foot traffic

•    Rolling loads

•    Frequent cleaning

In these scenarios, aluminium-framed recessed systems with robust inserts are often specified for NHS settings as they offer structural integrity and a long lifespan.

Accessibility and compliance

Matting must comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the Building Regulations Approved Document M, ensuring safe access for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. Low rolling resistance and flush installation are essential. Systems should also support fire performance requirements relevant to healthcare buildings. For more on this, see BS8300 compliance: entrance matting for accessibility in construction projects.

Types of entrance matting

Different NHS entrances require different solutions. A zoning approach is typically most effective that comprises external matting (zone 1), primary aluminium grid matting (zone 2) and secondary barrier matting (zone 3). 

A well-designed system typically follows a three-zone principle:

•    Scrape (external)

•    Remove and trap dirt (primary internal)

•    Absorb moisture (secondary internal)

Procurement considerations for NHS trusts

Whole-life cost, not just capital cost - budget pressures are a reality across NHS estates. When specifying NHS facilities, procurement officers should have access to any independent test data, the expected lifespan under healthcare footfall, any maintenance guidance and replacement insert options, and warranty terms. 

Sustainability and NHS net zero goals

As the NHS has made a firm commitment to becoming the world’s first net zero national health system, procurement teams should be mindful of:

•    Using recycled content in matting materials

•    Responsible sourcing and UK manufacturing

•    Longevity and replaceable components to minimise waste

•    Modular systems that allow insert replacement without removing the entire frame can significantly reduce long-term environmental impact.

Compatibility with cleaning regimes

Healthcare environments operate strict cleaning schedules. NHS entrance matting must be compatible with:

•    Mechanical scrubber dryers

•    Regular vacuuming

•    Infection control cleaning products

Products that are difficult to remove, clean or dry will undermine operational efficiency.

Bespoke sizing and phased installation

Many NHS buildings are legacy estates with non-standard entrance dimensions. A supplier experienced in surveying and manufacturing bespoke systems is invaluable, particularly when projects must be delivered in live hospital environments with minimal disruption.

Correct installation is as important as product selection.

Specifying professional surveying and fitting will ensure that recessed systems are level, secure and flush with surrounding floor finishes. Poor installation can create trip hazards or premature product failure. Reputable suppliers will offer phased or out-of-hours installation to avoid disrupting clinical services.

Routine maintenance planning - even the highest-performing system will fail if neglected. Procurement teams should ensure facilities managers have clear maintenance guidance, including:

•    Daily or frequent vacuuming in high-traffic periods

•    Periodic deep cleaning of inserts

•    Inspection of frames and fixings

•    Planned replacement of worn inserts

Establishing a simple maintenance schedule protects the investment and ensures consistent performance.

Entrance matting solutions for NHS trusts from EMS Ltd.

A strategic, zone-based approach — backed by robust product data and expert installation — will deliver long-term benefits across the estate. At Entrance Matting Systems Ltd., the EMS Debris Channel Entrance Matting System and the EMS Colortread Entrance Matting System both offer excellent dirt and moisture absorption, removing surface moisture and trapping debris below the surface.

Both systems can be recessed or surface-mounted and feature a range of replaceable infills, manufactured from recycled materials. Fully compliant with The Equality Act 2010 and Approved Document M, these durable systems are ideal for heavy use areas, rolling loads, and a stringent cleaning regime. 

All EMS matting systems come with a 15-year guarantee, details of which are available on request, along with independent test data where required.

To find out more about our bespoke entrance matting solutions for NHS settings, contact us by email at info@entrance-matting.com or telephone on 01205 761757.