The honest answer: when they’re visibly soiled, after isolation discharge, or on a fixed schedule — whichever comes first. Different settings sit at different points on that spectrum.

Typical schedules

• Inpatient wards (NHS): every 3–6 months, or per local IPC policy.
• A&E / ITU / theatre prep: monthly, or per use in isolation rooms.
• Outpatient consulting: every 6 months.
• Care homes: every 6–12 months in residential bedrooms; 3 months in nursing wings.
• Veterinary / dental: 6–12 months unless soiled.

Triggers for an early change

• Visible soiling — blood, bodily fluid, food.
• Discharge of a patient on contact precautions.
• Outbreak response (norovirus, C. diff, MRSA cluster).
• Any time IPC asks.

Making it manageable

Most sites use date tabs on each curtain so domestics can see at a glance when it last changed. We can supply them pre-printed or as blank tags. A spare set held in linen stores means a change is a 60-second job rather than a procurement event.

Related guides

• Antimicrobial vs standard cubicle curtains
• Cleaning and laundering cubicle curtains
• Disposable vs reusable cubicle curtains