Architectural Sectors

Sound, in its various forms, profoundly impacts the experiences of patients, staff, and visitors in Healthcare settings. While some sounds can be soothing and therapeutic, unwanted noise often becomes a source of stress and discomfort.  

Medical staff frequently highlight their “right to respite” and the need for private spaces that are dedicated not just to work but also to rest. Medical staff need to know that the healthcare environments they work in have been designed with due consideration given to their personal and professional needs, including their need for areas of rest and respite.

The COVID-19 crisis was a powerful reminder of how infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies are essential in healthcare and aged-care environments to stop the development of infections and antimicrobial resistance. It highlighted the importance of effective cleaning protocols for preventing transmission. 

Wayfinding is a crucial element in healthcare design, impacting patient experience, staff efficiency, and overall hospital operation. Adopting a holistic approach to wayfinding not only supports better patient, visitor, and staff outcomes but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire healthcare facility. 

Studies show that a well-designed hospital environment can have a profound impact on a patient’s experience, accelerating recovery and promoting wellbeing. It also delivers economic benefits through cost savings that come from improving patient outcomes and reducing their length of stay, boosting staff productivity, and attracting and retaining talent. 

The demands on today’s healthcare facilities are vast. Healthcare facilities are expected to provide excellent patient care while simultaneously reducing operational costs, lowering their environmental footprint and working to humanise healthcare in a highly medicalised environment.