Keys to Successful Medical Practice Design

There has been a quite significant change in thinking and approach over the last couple of decades when it comes to our attitudes to the professions. There was a time when a solicitor was engaged without any cost query and then sent his account once the work had been completed.

It was not regarded as appropriate to ask him to quote for the work in advance and I remember causing considerable offence on one occasion when I asked for a price in advance of preparing the conveyance work on my house sale and purchase.

In like manner, Hospitals and Medical Practices have only relatively recently had to take account of their patients as "Customers", where the customer experience is regarded as an important factor in their overall service.

One significant consequence of this has been an attention to the detail involved in the design of Hospitals and Surgeries which have developed and become much more "customer" focussed. New hospital developments have come to look more like a high class shopping mall and progressively the areas of patient interaction in hospitals and surgeries have endeavoured to become more friendly in appearance.

Much of this move has been really positive as it seeks to establish a more respectful and egalitarian approach between professional and patient/client.

The challenge for the Medical Practitioner or Hospital Developer in this current climate is how to both establish this ambiance within the design of any development, whether minor or more major, and also account for the future - for one thing is certain: change is here with us to stay.

Trends in all areas of business and the professions are developing. If someone develops symptoms then a search on the internet is quite likely to be the first port of call. Likewise with an anticipated purchase. It is an easy first stage to carry out some on line research.

Ultimately, however, if the symptoms dictate, or the purchase need is there, there comes a time when there is no substitute for consulting a professional.

Having an understanding of current and future trends, knowing the detail of building construction, realising the needs of practical and ergonomic working practices, a feel for aesthetics, colour, shape and design are all essential elements of any development plan for Hospital or Medical Practice

Ultimately the only way to achieve the right result rather than end up with a mis-diagnosis is to deal with a professional. What is needful is to retain the services of an experienced and qualified designer who understands the needs from all angles, who accounts for customer experience and ergonomic demands. Who knows about colour, shape, lighting, furnishings such as seating, desking, treatment room requirements, building regulations and all the "professional" understandings that come with the experience of dealing with the needs of the "professional" services.

Ken Rand has 34 years of experience in designing and fitting interiors of Healthcare, Education, Retail and Commercial premises. Visit http://www.kenrandfurniture.co.uk/medical%20/7 to see something of the range of furniture they offer or contact him through http://www.kenrand.co.uk for design advice.

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