Expectations have never been higher in the healthcare sector, particularly in private hospitals. Recent news stories have focused closely on hospital catering, which in some cases conflicted with healthy dietary choices.
Washrooms are currently off the agenda, but with the NHS and healthcare providers routinely being scrutinised, it’s a sensible time to consider the current state of your site’s washrooms.
Patient bathrooms
While the washrooms in main thoroughfares and waiting areas are likely to have been first on the list for renovations and refurbs, those accessed solely by patients often fall further down the queue. Ward bathrooms are often prime examples of this and can be somewhat dated. While good, clear access is needed. Remember that bath or shower-side dispensers for soap, body wash, and shampoo not only make for safer patient use but also keep the bathroom cleaner and free of disused and forgotten bottles.
Most often, we find Doc-M disabled access showers in place, complete with a fold-down stool and grab rails. However, we also notice that maternity wards often have a bath to help ease early labour pains. Controlling temperature is vital here, and TMV3 mixer valves are required to prevent accidental scalding. Non-concussive bath fill buttons can also be installed to remove the risk of flooding from taps accidentally being left on.
Hand sanitisers
It’s rare these days for any area or room in a hospital not to have a hand sanitising dispenser. Integral to helping control illness outbreaks, these important items number in their hundreds throughout a busy hospital, and it’s sensible for site managers and caretakers to hold a small stock of them at all times. While plastic hand sanitiser bottles can be prone to breaking and failure, stainless steel options offer greater durability and look incredibly smart – a popular choice in private facilities.
An air of comfort
Perhaps one of the biggest hurdles in hospital washrooms is their clinical nature, which often leaves them feeling unwelcoming and cold. This can sometimes pose a problem for patients staying for several days or longer. Colour can go a long way toward softening this clinical look, as can the inclusion of pictures, which can be screwed firmly to the wall to prevent patients from harming themselves and framed using shatter-resistant Perspex.
Solid-grade laminate is a preferred material in hospital washrooms due to its complete water imperviousness, meaning it will never swell or weaken from the ingress of moisture or humidity. It also comes in a huge selection of colours and can be used for toilet cubicles and shower enclosures, wall cladding, and in the construction of custom vanity units.
Meeting expectations can be a tall order, but in institutional facilities like hospitals, it's prudent to ensure your sites' washrooms are functional, accessible, and comfortable. If you'd like further advice regarding hospital or healthcare washroom facilities, please get in touch with the team on 01202 650900.
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