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Contributing to a positive, healthy care environment

Sharron Kapellar, National Framework manager at Forbo Flooring Systems, discusses what she dubs ‘the change in healthcare design’, and explains how well-considered flooring specifications, and the optimal flooring selection, can contribute to a healing 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. 

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Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

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