The key to a welcoming and warm medical fitout is the community space that your patients will see when they first enter the building. This community space often becomes the first impression that patients have of your medical fitout and it’s critical that this space reflects your practice.
It’s important to make the most of this space because it’s not only part of your patient’s experience, but also your employees. If your employees feel comfortable and can deliver better service, then you will surely see a positive impact on your patient’s experience.
So how can you take advantage of that community space? Read on for some tips to create a friendly and comfortable environment through your medical fit-out!
1. Utilize Natural and Artificial Light
Well-lit spaces are crucial in creating a friendly atmosphere. However, there are both natural and artificial light sources you can use to maximize the effect.
If your space has plenty of windows, set up your common space to take full advantage of them! Flooding a room with natural light automatically creates a brighter and more welcoming environment. Not only does it keep your patients alert, but it also creates a sense of healthiness.
If you don’t have access to much natural light, don’t worry! You can create an equally bright and fresh atmosphere using the correct artificial lighting. You can install overhead lighting, pendant lights and even wall lights to create rooms that make your patients feel at home.
2. Add Greenery to Your Space
Plants are a sure-fire way of adding life and colour to your medical fitout. In fact, they can also contribute to increasing your patient’s sense of wellness! Plants create a fresh atmosphere that makes people feel comfortable and relaxed. Studies have even shown that plants can reduce stress, improve concentration levels, and even increase productivity, which will benefit not only your patients, but your staff as well. It’s a win-win all around!
3. Incorporate Furniture with Personality
Colourful furniture in your medical fit-out can easily make a space feel more welcoming, but it doesn’t stop there. How about unique chairs and tables that impersonate animals? This is an excellent way to add interest and intrigue to your common spaces, while also showing off your practice’s fun side!
Take this to the walls as well. An interesting bit of artwork over your reception area or a statement wall-hanging can make a world of difference when it comes to making your space seem friendlier and more inviting. Don’t be afraid to use local pieces as well! It’s always interesting to discover work created by local talent and these pieces are sure to bring a smile to your patient’s faces.
4. Make the Most of Your Space
Using your space creatively is an excellent way to make the most out of your common areas. You could set up comfy seating groups, incorporate different activity stations, or even use games to turn this area into a fun hub for patients!
Studies have shown that hands-on activities are an effective way of combating stress in patients. You can take advantage of this by setting up relaxation spaces within your community areas where patients can participate in art therapy, soothing massages or even hypnotization sessions! There are plenty of ways to make your common space both entertaining and impactful.
5. Collaborate with Your Team
Finally, don’t forget to collaborate with your team when designing your common area. You want this space to be the place where both employees and patients can feel like they’re at home, so make sure that their needs are considered in all aspects of its design.
This is your chance to make everyone’s experience truly memorable so think carefully about what would make your team stay at ease, and patients feel welcomed!
There are so many ways to create an atmosphere that people will look forward to entering. With the right lighting, plants and furniture, you can transform your community space into a place where both employees and patients feel more at home. Have fun with it! A medical fitout project allows for the creative juices to flow freely. Take the time to figure out what exactly you want your space to say to incoming patients and utilize all of these tips to ensure that your patients will leave happy and smiling!