REFORMING A HOSPITAL. THE 8 AREAS OF ACTION

Reforming a hospital is an unavoidable and advisable task over the years. The administration or management usually carries out renovation work on the facilities on a regular basis. Of course, upgrading the medical equipment is often the priority. However, it is also necessary to modernise everyday elements and rooms. The daily traffic of people in a hospital is very high and therefore the facilities often suffer a certain amount of deterioration.

DESMON has been involved in hospital refurbishment work. Thus, we have taken care of fitting out spaces such as waiting rooms for consultations. We have also installed flooring in emergency corridors and floors. We have also been involved in the division of spaces into patient care areas.

Undoubtedly, there are many areas that may need updating and with this post we want to review those areas where DESMON can act. We review those sectors.

We have already referred to the daily flow of people in a hospital. There are many patients walking through corridors and entering rooms. There is also the running and moving of the medical team to be taken into account. Moreover, it is not only about people, the hospital floor also supports the movement of stretchers, hospital beds, wheelchairs and medical equipment trolleys.

It is therefore necessary to install hospital flooring that is hard-wearing, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, noise-absorbing flooring can also be considered to make it easier for patients to rest.

Waiting is an unavoidable act in a hospital and it is best to wait in comfortable seating. Hospital refurbishment often involves upgrading the reception chairs installed, for example, in patient admission areas. They should be the right size for all types of people and at a comfortable height so that they are easy to get up from.

Renovation work may also include the installation of waiting benches in outpatient consultation or imaging areas. Ideally, these should be lightweight, easy to position and comfortable.

Space is a valuable asset in a hospital. Sometimes the accumulation of patients can pose a problem when it comes to patient allocation. The most affected area is usually the emergency department. In this sector it is imperative to attend to the patient well and quickly and to provide them with a certain degree of privacy. For this purpose, DESMON always suggests the installation of sanitary partitions to facilitate a more private service.

Another interesting possibility is the use of mobile partitions for hospitals, which make it possible to set up enclosed spaces in a matter of seconds. In the event that it is necessary to temporarily isolate an area, this is a very useful resource.

Doctors, nurses, technicians, orderlies and cleaning staff need private spaces to change clothes or take a shower after work. Undoubtedly, reforming a hospital requires action on the changing rooms of health personnel.

At DESMON we are specialists in the design and manufacture of lockers for changing rooms. We offer different models with good capacity and assured ventilation. In addition, all our lockers are safe and resistant to humidity or severe impacts.

When renovating a hospital, hygienic surfaces are almost a must. This factor is even more important in washrooms and toilets. Whether it is only for patients or visitors, it is imperative to have a clean and hygienic space. To achieve this, it is ideal to work with materials that are easy to clean and disinfect.

At DESMON we always recommend phenolic material for sanitary cabins, toilettes and washbasins. It is an element that prevents the proliferation of germs and is very easy to clean. It is also highly resistant to daily use and also to impacts or wear and tear.

The high number of employees in a healthcare centre means that the use of facilities such as the canteen is very high. Many healthcare workers have breakfast, lunch or dinner in the staff canteen.

On the other hand, the cafeteria for users and visitors is also a place that receives many visitors 24 hours a day.

In both spaces it is necessary to have tables, chairs, shelves or counters to facilitate the use of the area. On many occasions, it is a time of respite for the healthcare personnel and it is advisable that they have comfortable and functional elements.

When starting a hospital refurbishment project, the location of the basic utilities is an extremely important issue. It is important to remember that a hospital needs electrical, water and gas installations. In addition, space has to be reserved for data transmission facilities and possible more specific medical supplies.

The most advisable option is to install a false ceiling where it is possible to hide all these pipes. Any faults can be easily remedied by simply lifting the ceiling tile at the point in question. This will allow access to the area in need of repair. In addition, everything will be hidden in the upper area and possible obstacles at floor level will be avoided.

Finally, the last point regarding the refurbishment of a hospital is the furnishing of the patients’ rooms. Beyond the bed, there are a series of pieces that are essential to facilitate the day-to-day life of the occupants. A modular wardrobe where the patient can store a piece of clothing, slippers or towels. It is also advisable to place a small table next to the bed with space for a bottle of water, a mobile phone or a book. And finally, a waiting chair for visitors.

With these 3 elements, the patient’s stay will be much more comfortable and they will be able to receive relatives or friends who will have an armchair to sit in.

DESMON specialises in office furniture for hospitals and public centres. We have a multidisciplinary team that is responsible for the design, manufacture and assembly of all our pieces.

We have manufactured elements for clinics, hospitals, primary care centres or emergency rooms. Sure, we only work with the best materials and we use phenolic pieces to maintain a high level of hygiene in the hospital environment.

When renovating a hospital, it is essential to have multi-purpose and functional elements that can adapt to the high level of demand that medical care requires. It is essential to have elements that are easy to use, quick to deploy and comfortable. The aim is to facilitate the work of healthcare professionals and also the stay of patients and relatives.

If you are part of the management of a hospital or the administration and you want to have alternatives to reforming a hospital, contact DESMON. We work in direct contact with the client and our design team will create spaces that meet the needs of the centre.

Contact us and get a budget full of solutions to reform a hospital.