How Clinical Hospital Center of Rijeka became one of the safest hospitals in CEE

Clinical Hospital Center of Rijeka is known as one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in Central Eastern Europe. But since its big renovation which ended at the beginning of 2024, it is also one of the safest ones in case of fire. And all thanks to our 45 fire escape automatic sliding doors.

More than evacuation: fire doors for rescue

Fire doors 500 EFS are installed across all hospital’s main areas, including patient rooms, delivery rooms and specialists offices.

In case of fire, these doors function as a barrier which is preventing fire and heat from spreading for at least 30 minutes.

They also represent an evacuation route (meaning that hospital doesn’t need any additional emergency exits).

After the fire alarm, they transform into a swing mode, ensuring safe and simple evacuation and rescue. This is also one of their main advantages and patented innovation – they can be opened from both sides.

Picture a situation where a fire starts in one part of the hospital. The 500 EFS forcibly close and switch to swing operation. Anybody that is in the danger area can open doors with a simple push, after which the doors self-close.

But what is more, medical staff or rescue crew that are on the safe side of fire can open doors by pulling them to rescue those that are not able to walk alone.

Architect’s insights

“… The spaces themselves, from a construction and craftsmanship perspective and in terms of installation equipment, meet the standards of modern medical facilities – clinical hospitals. We chose fire escape automatic sliding doors because they combine multiple functions in a single system while fully meeting esthetic criteria. Since it was a very complex project with many functional areas, choosing the right doors had to meet strict fire safety standards for safe evacuation.

Doorson doors are mostly installed in patient rooms or at fire sector borders, where automatic sliding doors are required for everyday use. In case of a fire alarm, the doors close and turn into swing doors for evacuation.”

– Andrina Južnić, architect (ZO-INVEST d.o.o.)

Why automatic sliding doors improve medical facilities

In addition to the fire safety features, 500 EFS bring other advantages that benefit the hospital environment.

01 Touchless access

• Sensor, on demand or switch (Smart Switch or Smart Lock) opening modes
• Easy accessibility for everyone
• Greater hygienic conditions since hands stay clean

02 Simple accessibility for everyone

• Easier patient transport (smooth transitions with no need to open any doors)
• Effortless movement with wheelchairs and crutches

03 Access control

• Limited enters to the areas that require special security and privacy

04 Custom design features

• Better visibility of patients and more natural light with glass doors
• Creating a pleasant atmosphere in pediatric department and maternity ward with decor elements