The interior design of any medical facility differs to regular office design, as there are many elements to think about such as wayfinding and ensuring the space complies with regulations. A well-designed medical clinic fit out can have a significant impact on patients, affecting their emotions, comfort and satisfaction which fundamentally influences their decision to return to the facility in the future.

The interior design and fit out of your medical facility can determine the overall retention of your patients. It is therefore important to provide an environment in which high quality care can be provided within a great setting that prioritises the comfort of your patients.

Whether it’s an aesthetic clinic, general practice facility or a dental clinic fit out you’re looking for, your space should convey a sense of calm, trust and reassurance for patients and their families. From the reception and waiting areas to the treatment rooms and surgeries, there are many factors to consider throughout the design process.

Strategic design choices can contribute to a more positive and engaging environment for patients and staff, enhancing the overall healthcare experience. Medical fitout experts are invaluable partners to have on board for your project as they possess the knowledge and expertise to ensure that healthcare facilities are designed with patient-focused principles in mind and adhere to healthcare-specific requirements and regulations.

What are the advantages of a medical fit out? 

 

First Impressions 

A well-planned design and build can help your business stand out from other medical professionals giving you competitive advantage. Although medical facilities are designed to be clinical and clean, that doesn’t mean there isn’t space for creativity. Creative design in medical facilities, whether it is hospital interior design or for aesthetics clinics, can create a fresh, new atmosphere and therefore attract more patients.

Space Utilisation 

Once your chosen contractor has established your requirements and has a clear understanding of your brief, the designer can get to work creating space plans for your medical facility. Through the process of space planning, you can visualise how the space can be utilised in different ways, giving you an idea of how you could offer better facilities. A well–designed layout can provide more efficient flow of the space and therefore reduce patient waiting times.

Confidentiality and Privacy 

In order to establish credibility and trust in patients seeking medical care, enhanced privacy and confidentiality is a must. A medical fit out that focusses on the elements of confidentiality and privacy can create a great space for all. Creating a place where patients can discuss their health concerns in complete privacy fosters a sense of trust as patients can feel at ease knowing that their sensitive information and discussions will not be overhead by others. Showing a commitment to privacy and confidentiality can enhance overall patient experience where they feel valued, thus strengthening relationships.

Advanced Technology 

Technology integration is an important consideration in all fit outs and can have an impact on both healthcare providers and patients in a medical environment. Incorporating cutting-edge technology into your facility can revolutionise the process for patients such as streamlining aspects of healthcare delivery, as well as making life much easier for the medical professionals who work there. In our recently completed project for Esho MD we utilised AV for brand awareness. Key features included controllable lighting, heating and cooling, music and aromatherapy to enhance the client’s experience. Technology such as laboratory equipment can enable faster and more accurate diagnoses, which can lead to more treatment options tailored to individual needs.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Accessibility allows everyone to receive the same level of care and in a medical environment, this can be the difference between someone receiving treatment for an illness, or not. This is one benefit to a medical fit out. Technological medical equipment has come a long way, adopting and embracing new medical technologies can help patients with disabilities and improve accessibility for everyone. It is also important to consider your medical practice meets accessibility standards, this involves the exterior and interior of your practice. As an example, for our national client Spa Medica, each fit out has included DDA compliant toilets, eye level signage, disabled access to fire escape routes and reception desks that are DDA compliant.

 

Things to consider when embarking on a Medical Refurbishment 

 

Create a plan 

Most companies that embark on a medical refurbishment have a dedicated project management team. It is important to communicate with your chosen contractor, so each party has full transparency when it comes to your plan. Your plan should include a programme which consists of a timeframe and detailed processes throughout the critical path of the project. However, it is important to bear in mind that it is not uncommon to have unexpected delays in the process of any fit out, including those for medical facilities. Having the proper team in place with the experience and skillset to overcome any potential unprecedented disturbances is vital when completing your medical refurbishment.

Budget 

Having a budget in mind before beginning your project will make sure that your chosen contractor is aware of what you are willing to spend. Ensuring that the desired outcome matches the budget is a crucial part of project planning and it may even be possible to value engineer if the overall cost is coming out too high before staring.

Compliance 

One of the most important considerations of a medical fit out is compliance. Both the design and all aspects of the fit out need to adhere to industry regulations and guidelines put in place by health authorities, failure to do so can result in costly delays, possible legal consequences and fines. Regulation considerations include infection control, accessibility, medical equipment requirements and fire safety. At Ben Johnson Interiors, we have years of experience in medical refurbishments and can guide our clients along the way to ensure a successful project sign off.

Wayfinding 

Signage and wayfinding are important for improving overall patient experience. Attending a medical facility can be a stressful and potentially emotional experience for some, and the last thing patients want is to feel anxious or confused because they are unable to find where they need to be. Factors to consider when it comes to wayfinding and signage are colours, icons, arrows and font size, all of which also play a large part when considering the accessibility of your space.

Ventilation 

Adequate ventilation is crucial in any medical facility as it plays a very important part of the overall function of the space. Ventilation systems are designed to reduce the risk of contamination. By ensuring that you are working with an experienced contractor you can feel at ease knowing you’re in safe hands.

Future proofing and flexibility 

A medical refurbishment or fit out is a fantastic investment, however, it is important to consider what might be needed in the future. Future proofing involves designing with flexibility, technology integration and sustainability in mind, such an approach ensures that your facility can easily adapt to emerging technologies and trends in the future, avoiding more cost down the line! Flexibility is just as important and goes hand in hand with future proofing, designing and building a flexible space allows the facility to be ready for any changing situations, it can also improve patient care and optimise resources.

 

So, whether you’re struggling with your hospital interior design or searching for clinic room ideas, we don’t just do offices! We have years of experience creating flexible medical spaces within tight timeframes and budgets. Get in touch with us today and find out more about our approach to medical fit outs and refurbishments here.