There are many factors to consider when designing a health centre. Where would the patient sit? How big is the treatment room? Where should the reception area be located? An important consideration is infection control, which applies to all areas of the health centre, including treatment rooms, medical storerooms and reception areas. In this article, we will introduce the factors that should be considered when choosing hospital furniture.
The link between furniture and infection control
Furniture must be designed in a specific way and use the right materials to help with infection control measures. This is important in healthcare Settings where there are many patients under one roof and infections can spread easily and quickly. Therefore, the furniture must comply with HTM 63 and HTM 71 standards (Medical Technical Memorandum).
Easy to clean
The first thing to consider when choosing furniture is that it needs to be easy to clean. This will ensure that all dust and dirt is removed. It is also important that shelf and countertop materials are non-porous so that cleaning products, such as industrial disinfectants, can be used without causing any damage. It also needs to wear well, because this kind of furniture needs to be cleaned every day.
Anti-fouling and anti-cracking
The furniture you choose must be tough and resistant to cracks and stains. Stains are not only unsightly, they also attract dust, dirt and bacteria. This is true of any crack or scratch, which can be an ideal place for pests to live.
Easy access to the floor
When choosing any type of storage unit or table, you need to keep in mind that you need to clean not only the furniture, but also the surrounding area, including the floor. That’s why it’s always beneficial to include hanging countertops and storage units in the initial design.
Does not absorb water and contains no liquid
Clinic environments are prone to spills and fluid pools. Any type of standing fluid can damage your furniture and become a breeding ground for infection. Always choose furniture with non-absorbent and waterproof surfaces to help solve these problems.
Planning the entire space
When designing a wellness center, you need to consider the type of furniture you need, the placement, and the materials you need to make it. For example, shelving, cabinets and countertops need to be seamless, sturdy, durable and smooth. Choosing the right type of furniture will keep you on top of infection control measures and keep everyone safe.