Contributing to a positive, healthy care environment

Over the past few years, there have been many discussions and debates had, and learned articles published, on how the built environment positively or negatively impacts end-users – with the healthcare sector being a particular area of focus. Here Sharron Kapellar, National Framework Manager at Forbo Flooring Systems, discusses what she dubs ‘the change in healthcare design’, and explains how well-considered flooring specification can contribute to a healing environment. 

As a sector, we now well understand the impact that an environment can have on both patient wellbeing and employee productivity. Thus as new hospitals and other healthcare establishments are developed – or existing healthcare buildings are refurbished – much thought is now being placed on the design of the space within, to encourage patient healing and positively impact on clinical and nonclinical staff, in order for them to deliver the right kind and level of care. 

There are, of course, many factors to consider when it comes to designing an effective hospital, including – as just a few examples – natural light, re-thinking the layout to enable easy navigation throughout the building, colour, and the materials used. However, one factor which is absolutely key to the design of any area within a healthcare facility is the specification of floorcoverings. Although floors are only one part of a healthier and more comfortable environment, they play an important role in design, and offer multiple benefits, including enhancing aesthetics, adding to the feel of a room, contributing to improved infection control, and helping to create a hygienic environment. I will focus on a number of different settings within a hospital or healthcare facility, and discuss which floorcoverings are best suited to each.