24/03/2021
Three tips for a great healthcare fitout
Fitting out surgeries, dental clinics, hospitals, consultation rooms, allied health facilities and other health settings is very different to any other sort of workplace design. For starters, there are additional health and safety considerations and other compliance issues.
But just as important as functional considerations is creating a space that’s welcoming to patients and health workers alike. So here are our top three tips for remodelling or building a healthcare space.
Functionality is paramount
Infrastructure is absolutely crucial when it comes to designing a healthcare fitout. Plumbing, electrical wiring and waste disposal matter in every build, but they’re even more important in the medical world. Depending on the type of healthcare practitioner, there may be the need for secure hazardous waste disposal, custom electrical, industrial-level HVAC, multimedia and other systems. Moreover, everything will have to meet strict regulatory standards, including for disability access and safety.
Reception areas matter
Have you heard the phrase “first impressions last”? Well, the reception area is the first thing patients see when they walk into a clinic. If they encounter drab design, dated fittings and harsh lighting, they’re unlikely to go into their treatment feeling good. The good news is that you have flexibility when it comes to designing the reception area. You can use art, furniture, colour and warm lighting to show some personality and set clients at ease.
Rooms with a purpose
Unlike open-plan offices, in healthcare settings privacy is crucial. Designers need to take into account soundproofing between rooms and screening within them, as well as the need to accommodate different types of medical equipment. Size is important too: patients and healthcare professionals don’t want to feel cramped or forced to stand uncomfortably close. It’s yet another area where good design can lead to better healthcare outcomes.
