Healthcare facility design is evolving around the core mission of delivering better care to patients. Behind a new, expanded or renovated healthcare facility, there’s more than just passive elements that create a “look and feel” of the facility. Modern healthcare interiors are created on the premise of evidence-based design where credible research is used to influence built environments so that patient outcomes improve. We’ve put together six tips on how to design a modern space for healing .
Nonclinical Experience
Hospitals nowadays are starting to resemble luxury hotels or home, and for good reasons. Study shows that hospital’s nonclinical experience is more important to patients than clinical reputation.
The Victorian Heart Hospital, located on the Monash University Clayton campus, is Australia’s first state-of-the-art, specialist cardiac hospital. To enhance patient experience, Winya and the design team took a less clinical approach, using a variety of accent chairs to create hotel-like lounge areas that are more inviting and comfortable for visitors.
Easy Access to Power
Just like waiting in the airport lounge, visitors at healthcare facilities want to have easier access to power supply so they can stay connected with their families and friends during their visits.
Our selected models come with an optional TUF-PD Twin USB Fast Charging socket that incorporates a USB-C port and a world-first reversible A connector port. It can charge up mobile devices at optimum speeds – only ten minutes for a low battery boost and charge up to 20% of battery life for most newer mobile phones. For devices that still require USB-A charging port, the reversible A connector allows a quick single-attempt connection where the USB connector can be inserted both ways.
Acoustic Comfort
A big focal point of creating effective healing spaces is the consideration of acoustics, with this aspect of the design impacting patients, residents and staff. Numerous studies show that patients are adversely affected by excess noise while they are hospitalised. Add acoustic walls panels to help improve acoustic separation between rooms, and minimize the effects of internal and external noise.
In this meeting room, we provided two acoustic solutions that seamlessly blend advanced sound-absorbing technology with stunning aesthetics. The lightweight and semi-ridged acoustic panels form a simple but elegant background behind the wall-mounted screens, while the decorative acoustic panels create an accent wall that features beautiful Indigenous design – Sugarbag Dreaming by Rosie Ngwarraye Ross.
Connect to Nature
Views of nature, daylight, and other biophilic design elements play an important role in healing environments like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other types of clinics. Multiple studies have found a link between healing outcomes and nature-based healthcare facility planning.
Cleanability
Paying close attention to the design of the furniture you choose will go a long way toward reducing surface contamination that can lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Furnishings and finishes in patient rooms are at especially high risk of harboring pathogens. Surfaces with seams and joints provide irresistible homes for potentially infectious bacteria.
South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) engaged Winya to fit out several of their COVID vaccination hubs. Winya was entrusted with this project due to our expertise in furnishings for medical applications. To provide a safe and clean environment for visitors and medical staffs at these COVID vaccination hubs, Winya supplied quality ergonomic seating with infection control properties that requires simple and effective sanitation by wiping down the surfaces on regular basis.
Healing Power of Art
The presence of art in hospitals helps to counteract the clinical and sterile atmosphere often associated with medical facilities. Paintings, murals, and photographs can infuse warmth, colour, and beauty into the environment, creating a calming and supportive atmosphere for patients.
Winya works with a national Panel of Artists to create unique art and fabrics for our furniture and your facility. From selecting suitable furnishing products for your project space and choosing the right Indigenous artwork that complements the colour palette, to delivering and installing final products, we have an experience team to work with you from the beginning to the end.
