Douglas Pancake Architects’ Post

In the world of healthcare, where healing and care are paramount, safety often plays an unspoken but vital role. With statistics from #OSHA highlighting the various sources of potential violence in healthcare settings – from patient aggression to gang-related threats – it's clear that #SafetyInHealthcare is a pressing concern. For #commercialinterior designers, we know that your mission goes beyond aesthetics. It's about creating spaces that not only heal but also protect. From a recent Healthcare Design Magazine article, here are essential design elements that can improve safety within healthcare facilities: 👩⚕️ Exam Rooms: The sanctuaries of care. How do we design these spaces to ensure the safety of both patients and staff without compromising on comfort and accessibility? 🚨 Emergency Departments: Fast-paced and high-stress zones. What layout optimizations can provide clear sight lines for monitoring while ensuring there's no compromise on the swiftness and quality of care? 👩⚕️ Nurses’ Stations: The nerve centers. How can design facilitate better surveillance and quick access to escape routes in case of emergencies? Have you implemented innovative safety designs in healthcare settings? Or are you looking to exchange ideas on creating safer healthcare environments through thoughtful design? #healthcaredesign #healthcare #commercialdesign 🔗 For more insights, see the full article from Healthcare Design Magazine. https://lnkd.in/gSzucwfX

Supporting the holistic care of our older adult population, senior living facilities enable residents to thrive with the assistance of medical professionals who address their health and physical needs. To better assist with resident well-being, these spaces are adapting to cater to individual preferences and needs. From spas to gardens, this article outlines the top ten trends expected to shape senior living facilities in 2024. Click here for more information: https://hubs.la/Q02FyVLm0 Nursing homes are a senior living option for those who need a higher level of medical care. This nursing facility in New York features Fundermax woodgrain phenolic panels on the exterior of the building. Learn more about this project here: https://hubs.la/Q02FyXF90 #architecture #architectureanddesign #commercialarchitecture #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #modernarchitecture #exteriorarchitecture #exteriordesign #sustainabledesign #sustainablematerials #createwithfundermax #morethanapanel

The future of healthcare facilities is the integration of smart technology. This completely transforms hospitals/healthcare offices, plus introduces design benefits and advanced functionality. #healthcaredesign #smarttechnology

The Queensland Children's #Hospital in #Brisbane, #Australia, is an exemplary model of #biophilic #design in a #healthcare setting. This approach integrates natural elements and principles to create healing environments that promote the well-being of patients, families, and staff. Here are the seven key aspects of biophilic design at Queensland Children's Hospital: 1. Natural Light Implementation: Large windows and skylights throughout the hospital ensure an abundance of natural light. This not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also supports the circadian rhythms of patients and staff, promoting better sleep and overall health. Impact: Natural light has been shown to enhance mood and reduce stress, making it a vital component of a healing environment. 2. Views of Nature Implementation: Many rooms and common areas have direct views of the surrounding greenery and landscaped gardens. This visual connection to nature is calming and can reduce anxiety and pain perception. Impact: Studies have demonstrated that views of nature can speed up recovery and improve emotional well-being. 3. Indoor Greenery and Gardens Implementation: The hospital incorporates indoor plants and several green spaces, including rooftop gardens accessible to patients and their families. This helps bring nature indoors, creating a more soothing and welcoming atmosphere. Impact: Access to green spaces has been linked to lower stress levels, improved concentration, and enhanced mood. 4. Water Features Implementation: The use of water elements, such as indoor fountains and outdoor water features, introduces the calming sound of flowing water, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Impact: The presence of water features in healthcare settings is associated with reduced blood pressure and a general sense of calm. 5. Natural Materials and Colors Implementation: The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and soft, earthy colors throughout the hospital evokes a sense of connection to the natural environment. This creates a warm, welcoming, and non-clinical atmosphere. 6. Wayfinding and Spatial Organization Implementation: The hospital design includes intuitive wayfinding with clear visual cues, making it easier for patients and visitors to navigate the space. The use of natural elements in the design also helps in orienting people. Impact: Effective wayfinding reduces stress and anxiety associated with getting lost, which is particularly important in large hospital environments. 7. Playful and Interactive Design Implementation: The hospital incorporates playful design elements, interactive art, and child-friendly spaces that engage the senses and provide a sense of exploration and discovery. This is critical in a pediatric setting where distraction and engagement can significantly impact a child’s experience. #healthcarearchitecture #QueenslandChildrenHospital

🏠 Navigating the Nuances: Understanding the Difference between a Vacant Bed and an Empty Bed in Residential Aged Care 🌿 In the realm of Residential Aged Care, terminology matters, and the distinction between a "vacant bed" and an "empty bed" holds subtle yet significant nuances. 🛏️ Empty Bed/offline: An "empty bed" typically refers to a bed that is temporarily unoccupied but actively reserved for a specific resident. This could be due to hospitalization, short-term leave, or any situation where the resident intends to return. The facility is holding the space, ensuring continuity of care for the resident upon their return. It can also imply that the Home can't fill this bed due to outbreaks, staffing etc. 🏠 Vacant Bed: On the other hand, a "vacant bed" implies a more permanent state of vacancy. This occurs when a resident has permanently left the facility, perhaps due to relocation, end-of-life circumstances, or other reasons. The bed is open for new admissions, and the facility is actively seeking to fill the space with a new resident. 🤝 The Impact on Residential Aged Care Operations: Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective facility management. Managing vacant beds involves anticipating and preparing for the return of residents, ensuring seamless transitions. Meanwhile, addressing empty beds involves actively engaging in the admissions process, seeking new residents to join the community. 💼 Strategic Occupancy Management: For administrators and admissions teams, strategic occupancy management requires a delicate balance of maintaining relationships with existing residents while actively marketing and filling available spaces. It's a dance of compassion and business acumen to ensure optimal care for all residents and sustainable operations. Eg, the Home on paper may have 100 beds of which 20 are not occupied by a resident. However, the Home may only safely or by other design be able to accommodate 90 residents. Therefore there are 10 vacancies. In the intricate tapestry of Residential Aged Care, each term carries a unique weight, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry. Let's continue to foster transparency and understanding as we navigate the complexities of providing exceptional care for our seniors. This can be achieved through digital tools such as Bedsearch. 💙👴👵 #AgedCareInsights #OccupancyManagement #ElderCare #SeniorLiving #HealthcareManagement

New NHS England guidance on the application of the Building Safety Act 2022 to hospital sites Helen Sturdy, National Head of Construction & ProCure23 Framework NHS England, discusses the new NHS England guidance published on the application of the Building Safety Act 2022 to hospital sites To read more, follow the link to the Building Better Healthcare #NHS #BuildingSafetyAct2022 #ProCure23Framework #designandbuild

Great read on the key trends in hospital design! We've had the privilege to contribute to some of the projects mentioned in the article supporting some of these trends of prefab and modular for scheduling and cost certainty in addition to futureproofing for unforeseen events. #HospitalDesign #Healthcare #Construction #Futureproofing

Don't overlook the importance of bathroom safety for seniors. Read our guide to make it a safer space. https://zurl.co/ge95 #bathroomsafety #seniorcare #CANESCares

Rethinking 🔗 anchor points: Are they needed on hospital and aged care centre roofs? 🤔 Anchor point systems are common on the roofs of hospitals and aged care facilities, but are they necessary? Too often, no they’re not. And this can lead to unexpected safety hazards and hefty annual inspection bills that can be avoided.   There’s a need to strike the right balance between safety and practicality, and starting with suitable systems is the right way to go for height safety and cost savings! Read more in our latest article. #SafetyFirst #HeightSafety #AnchorPointSystems