HEALTHCARE FURNITURE
domestic environments, removing institutional references. Here furniture should be comfortable and high quality, as well as durable, safe, and light. Modern materials can increase durability and lightness, are safer, and offer unlimited options for creativity.
A more ‘transitional’ environment Furniture in waiting areas can support a more active and transitional environment – and can be designed to reflect the corporate identity of the healthcare provider in the use of colour and finish selection, as well as determining how comfortable the patients will be.
How to specify hospital furniture A thorough analysis of each department’s processes and patient flows at the outset is essential. Mock-up rooms can be developed by the manufacturer to help achieve the optimum clinical functionality and aesthetic design. Do also consider lifecycle costing; this is important to achieve long-term value, but is too frequently overlooked in furniture specification.
A good, specialist hospital furniture manufacturer will engage with the design and construction team at an early stage to develop the specification for manufacture, and ensure that the specific project requirements are met with as few deviations as possible. Glue and dowel construction for cabinetry and pre- assembled carcases will radically reduce work and the number of fitters on site, and should significantly improve quality. This type of furniture is also more durable to withstand the long-term rigours of a healthcare environment that may be in use 24/7.
One of a number of attractive kitchen units manufactured for the specialist Cambridge cardiothoracic hospital.
Benefits of UK supply
A UK-based manufacturer will provide continuity of supply, and reduces the risk of delays. Lead times should also be shorter, particularly in the supply of replacement products – and will support the UK manufacturing economy. New- build hospital projects typically have many variations in room layouts and more complex specialist items. This requires a high degree of project management to review the programme, manage manufacture, and meet the contractor’s stringent delivery schedule. Skilled, trained fitters should be closely supervised by the furniture supplier’s directly employed project manager to maintain the quality of fitting out. A track
record in healthcare is also strongly recommended, so the manufacturer can demonstrate a clear understanding of project requirements and detailed specifications – from producing compliant and accurate tenders, to developing designs that reflect best practice in infection control.
Case study –
Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary More than 5,000 items of furniture were manufactured and installed by Deanestor in a £1.4 m contract for the new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. Built by Laing O’Rourke, and designed by Ryder Architecture with NBBJ, the £212 m hospital provides high quality acute
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18/09/2020 12:13 October 2020 Health Estate Journal 87
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