As time goes on, it seems humanity is, paradoxically, destined for two things. The first is to annihilate one another in a nuclear fire, whilst the second is to survive as long as possible. Whilst living longer may seem wonderful to some, there’s also the very real possibility that you will end up having to visit some sort of medical facility. Try as you might, one day the Grim Reaper will come knocking.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. You may only need to visit an outpatient facility for a simple check-up, administration of treatment, or a non-invasive procedure. You shouldn’t be kept overnight, and you’ll be tucked up in bed in time for the ten-o-clock news.
The purpose of outpatient facilities is to have you do just that be in and out. They aren’t always attached to a hospital, and one of the most common you may be aware of is a GP Surgery. Whatever the case may be, the premise is the same.
GP surgery expansion feasibility project. Due to site limitations, raising the building allowed car parking to be maintained whilst maximising the site’s potential.
Whilst it can be daunting to enter an outpatient facility, even if it’s for a routine check-up or procedure, the team at Shropshire architect firm JDP are more than qualified as hospital design. Our consultants can undertake a project that will showcase their skills and quality of work.
Whether it’s making modifications to pre-existing NHS architecture (maybe for structural reasoning, or to accommodate a wider range of potential patient issues), or hospital designs completely from scratch, our Shropshire architects are never ones to shy away from such a project. The healthcare sector has become a large part of our commercial portfolio, with numerous projects of this nature now successfully under their belts, and more to come.
There is a common checklist of things that must be included to not only ensure the safety and comfort of patients and staff, but a project that reflects the needs and wants of its users. It doesn’t matter where the project is based, the medical architect ethos remains the same.
For example, inclusive design is important to ensure mobility around an outpatient facility is sufficient, poor old Doris may not be as swift as she once was. This means including lifts & ramps for those unable to take the stairs, walls adorned with handrails for support, an area where patients can sit whilst they wait (the comfier a chair the better) and mobility equipment available if needed.
The width of doors is also another consideration, and spaces should be as open as possible being able to have a wide view of surroundings and having staff visible at all times is a comfort to many. These are all things JDP consider when undertaking such a project.
Colour feasibility for Royal Free Hospital
Consideration for personal hygiene is essential in hospital design to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens. This means providing showers where possible, ensuring toilets are accessible and plentiful, that antibacterial gel and sanitary face-masks are readily available too. Feeling unclean can cause distress to many, so if the problem can be mitigated, it’s worth ensuring so! Not to mention, the storage of and disposal of medical equipment (including hazardous waste) is also an important factor to consider when designing an outpatient facility. Staff should be able to grab items and equipment.
It’s important to JDP for each project to have an aspect of individuality and sense of community to each, no carbon copies; innovation and sustainability is key! Certain patterns and colours on internal walls, or photographs, can be tailored to the area, whilst larger windows may offer people a view of the outside that reminds people of their local community. It also provides a calming space for concerned loved ones to wait too, especially if an outdoor space can also be created and utilised (weather-permitting).
All the factors above are what JDP consider when wearing their healthcare architect goggles. Our proven track record to date shows how their innovative designs are a success and hopefully provide inspiration to others out there, such as architects in Wolverhampton, architects in Shrewsbury, and architects elsewhere in the Midlands.
John Hampden Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. A new purpose built outpatient unit.
Past completions have proven JDP’s skill, but also how it’s not just a business transaction to them; it’s about helping build something that’s part of a community.
Going forward, our Shropshire architect firm hopes that further projects of this nature will only go on to strengthen the reputation we have for providing outstanding service. Our projects are designed to help build a sense of comradery within a local community. After all, if we insist on sticking around longer, isn’t it best we all get on? Surely, Shirley would say so.
