All buildings bring their own sets of challenges and requirements. That’s why homes need outside lighting and warehouses have to be safe and secure. If you’re thinking of opening your own small clinic, it can be an exciting next step in your career. However, before you open the doors, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll provide some tips for designing your clinic so that it’s both functional and appealing to your patients.
Use Bespoke Furniture
Clinics require a lot of storage space in order to keep all of their equipment and supplies organised. Include plenty of storage solutions in your design plan, such as cabinets, shelves and cupboards. Specially designed furniture is a great way to make use of limited space and to create a professional look in your clinic.
Invest in good quality, comfortable chairs and sofas for your waiting room and reception area. In the consulting rooms, consider using space-saving furniture such as wall-mounted desks and shelves. If you want to see the design of healthcare furniture there are specialist websites selling chairs for the elderly, hospital chairs, waiting room chairs, ward chairs and more. They’re ideal due to their antibacterial and anti-microbial qualities, and wipe-clean finishes.
Think Of The Location And Signage
You’ll want to be situated near other businesses and in a place that’s convenient for your patients. Accessibility is key, so make sure the space you choose has ample parking and that it’s wheelchair accessible.
Signage is also important, as it will help patients find your clinic. Use a clear and easy-to-read font and include relevant information like your hours of operation. Once people are indoors, make it easy for people to see where they need to go in terms of the reception and other rooms.
Think About The Layout And Colours
You’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of space for examination rooms, as well as a reception area where patients can check-in. You may also want to have a waiting room, since some patients may have to wait for their appointments (Add some magazines or books so they can pass the time more easily). If you have the space, consider including a coffee machine and several toilets. This will make your clinic more comfortable for patients and staff alike.
The colours you choose can play an important role in how your clinic looks and feels. You’ll want to choose colours that are relaxing and soothing, such as pale blues or greens. Neutral colours are a good choice for clinics as they create a calming and professional atmosphere. Also consider shades of beige, cream and white to help make your clinic feel inviting. Avoid bright colors, which can be jarring and distracting.
Think About Decorative Elements
You may want to add extra elements to your clinic, such as paintings or plants. This can help to personalize the space and make it feel more like home. However, you’ll need to be careful not to go overboard. Too many decorative elements can clutter the place and become distracting.
Try to stick with a few well-chosen pieces that will add visual interest without being overwhelming.
Think About Flooring
You need to make sure that your flooring is easy to clean and maintain. It should also be slip-resistant and comfortable for your patients. There are a few different types of flooring that you can choose from, so be sure to do your research before making a final decision.
Don’t forget to consider the colour scheme of your flooring. We discussed colours previously, and it may be that it needs to match your branding.
Keep Safety In Mind
When you create floor plans and places for the furniture and equipment, also think about the flow of traffic. You don’t want to create bottlenecks or have patients waiting in line for too long. Patients and staff should be able to move easily from one area to another without running into obstacles. This will help keep wait times down and make the experience more pleasant for everyone involved.
Be especially careful when positioning heavy items and make sure there is a clear path to the emergency exits. They must be clearly marked and all staff should be familiar with the evacuation procedures. Keep supplies like bandages and antibiotics readily available in case of an emergency.
Make Space For Technology
In order to stay competitive, your small clinic needs to be outfitted with the latest IT equipment. This includes computers, printers, and a reliable internet connection. Your staff will need access to patient records at all times, so make sure that you have a system in place that allows them to do this easily and efficiently.
You should also think about the layout of your exam rooms. The exam table should be placed in the center of the room so that the doctor has easy access to all of the patient’s computer records. You should also make sure that there is plenty of space around the table for the doctor to move around. If you’re not sure where to start, it might be helpful to consult with medical/computer equipment suppliers. They can help you choose the right equipment for your clinic and advise you on how to best use it.
Plan For Future Growth
You may not need a lot of space right now, but what will you do if your business starts to increase? You may be opening a small clinic currently, but you should have a plan for expansion. This may mean considering a location that would have the capacity (and planning permission) for an extension and the addition of rooms as your business grows.
Moreover, when anticipating future growth, it’s wise to contact a locum tenens agency to ensure access to medical professionals during increased demand or expansion periods. This effectively addresses staffing needs while maintaining continuity of service without compromising patient care.
Hopefully, these design tips have been helpful to you as you prepare for your exciting new venture. You should do plenty of research, get several quotes and be prepared to spend time and money on your project. Once it’s up and running, you can look forward to the success of your small clinic. You’ll be providing employment in your area, and meeting the needs of patients as you go.
