Observation Built Into the Nursing Station
VISTA-Slide® Vision Panels were installed between a central nursing station and adjoining patient rooms at Chester County Hospital.
Project Snapshot
| Project | Chester County Hospital |
| Health system | Penn Medicine |
| Location | West Chester, Pennsylvania |
| Product | VISTA-Slide® Vision Panels |
| Application | Nursing station observation windows |
About the Project
Chester County Hospital was founded in 1892 as the first hospital established in Chester County. The hospital became part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System in 2013 and serves communities throughout Chester County and Philadelphia’s western suburbs.
Within the patient-care area, a central nursing station was positioned between two adjoining patient rooms. An interior window on each side of the station created a visual connection between the staff workspace and the rooms.
VISTA-Slide® Vision Panels were incorporated into both window openings, placing visibility control directly between the nursing station and each patient space. The matching panels were installed at seated viewing height on opposite sides of the workspace.
The VISTA-Slide Installation
Each VISTA-Slide panel used vertical alternating lines within a multi-layer glazing system. The internal layer moved laterally to change the alignment of the lines. When aligned, the panels provided a clear viewing area. When the lines overlapped, they obscured visibility through the openings.
This configuration allowed each interior window to move between an open view and visual privacy without requiring a curtain, blind or separate covering. The windows remained part of the walls in either position; only the level of visibility through the panels changed.
The panels operated mechanically and did not require electrical wiring or a connection to building power. Their internal privacy components were enclosed within the units, leaving glass surfaces on the exterior.
The same product and configuration were used on both sides of the nursing station, creating a consistent treatment between the central workspace and the adjoining rooms.
About VISTA-Slide®
VISTA-Slide® is a laterally operated privacy vision panel designed for larger glazed openings. Its vertical alternating lines move from side to side within the sealed unit, changing the panel between open and privacy positions.
The mechanically operated system requires no electrical power and can be incorporated into doors, walls and interior partitions.
