Hospitals have gained something of a reputation for being uninviting, even intimidating spaces. From endless corridors to noisy waiting rooms, attending a hospital doesn’t always make for a pleasant experience.
There are so many ways to improve the patient experience through the architecture of hospitals and their wards, particularly for those who may have been through surgery or some other operation and are in recovery before discharge.
Here at Consilo, we’ve helped design numerous medical centres – from surgeries to dentists – and have delivered clean, stylish results for clients that have helped improve the experience of their patients. Here are some of the things you should consider when thinking about improving your hospital ward design.
The Evolution of Patient-Centric Inpatient Rooms
In any healthcare facility, space is at a premium. Many rooms have multiple uses, and as such, organisation and storage design are important to consider. Incorporate cabinets and cupboards in inpatient rooms to ensure any medical equipment can be safely stored away when not in use, helping bring more peace of mind to patients.
Increasingly, patients and their needs are being brought to the centre of any conversation about the design of inpatient rooms. More and more, healthcare facilities are evolving from unfriendly places with stark white walls and corridors to ones that feel more like a home away from home. This can include putting music players in rooms, or docking stations, for patients to listen to their favourite music after treatment.
Waiting areas should be as comfortable as possible to help lessen any feelings of nervousness for patients and their families. As well as soft furnishings and clean, minimalist designs to help clear the mind, this could also include other amenities like charging points or drink and water stations.
Inclusion has been at the forefront of all our designs, but particularly in the design of bariatric surgeries. When it comes to designing these spaces, the focus has moved beyond mere equipment, furniture and accessories. We’ve designed environments that don’t just accommodate, but help remove the feeling of isolation that can often come with this kind of surgery. This might include wider corridors for wheelchairs to pass through with ease.
Maximising Natural Light in Hospital Corridors
Often, hospitals have favoured cool, bright electrical lighting in corridors. But the benefits of natural light are numerous, both physically and mentally, so any hospital design should try to maximise it as much as possible. This could be achieved by installing large windows along corridors, and perhaps even skylights at the top of buildings to let more light in. You could also consider light and bright colours in your décor to provide reflective surfaces for light to bounce off.
Nursing Station Placement for Optimal Patient Visibility
A hospital visit is, understandably, a stressful one for any patient. Whether pre- or post-op, they will likely need the attention of a nurse several times during their stay. Ensure that nursing station placements are within view of their doorway, providing constant reassurance that help will be there if and when they need it.
Durable Finishes That Withstand Hospital-Grade Disinfectants
It probably goes without saying that hospitals should be easy to keep clean. For the safety and comfort of patients, carers and visitors alike, all surfaces should be disinfected and cleaned on a regular basis. Of course, it also follows that surfaces should be durable and able to withstand stronger, hospital-grade disinfectants without deteriorating quickly.
If you’re planning improvements to a ward in your hospital, or a full fitout, and want a trusted designer on your team, just get in touch with Consilo today. Our expertise in medical facility design ensures your hospital ward supports optimal patient recovery and staff efficiency. If you are planning to upgrade your dental office, physio and wellness centre, we do have expertise on that too.
