Clinics By Design, Author at Clinics By Design

Dental Clinic Design and How Lighting Plays a Role

When designing a new dental clinic or refurbishing your existing practice the health and safety of your patients and staff members should be your number one priority.

In this blog we will discuss the importance of good lighting and how it can reduce the risk of not only physical injury but also mental strain.

Whether you are a receptionist sitting at a desk, a patient filling out forms in a waiting room or a dentist/ dental nurse providing treatment in the surgery, the correct lighting plays a huge role in not only how you perform your job but also how you feel throughout your appointment.

There are many aspects to consider when discussing lighting options with your builder and how you can incorporate smart lighting in with your dental clinic design in order to provide good vision for staff members and create comfort for patients.

Create the right Ambience

These days there is a big focus on mental health and how we can create spaces that provide the right type of environment in order to make both staff members and patients feel safe, comfortable and at ease. This is something that we always consider during our dental clinic design process.

Some patients may be nervous or apprehensive before a dental appointment, especially young children, and staff members can also feel pressure and anxiety during busy periods.

By providing the correct lighting in your dental clinic design you are helping to create a happy working environment safe from the risk of severe mental strain.

Mental strain comes in different forms. Lack of appropriate lighting can cause eye strain, headaches and fatigue which in turn can generate not only an unproductive working environment but can also induce unnecessary stress in both staff members and patients.

Making Areas Safe

It’s no secret that a well lit area is a safe area.

It is important to incorporate the appropriate lighting within areas of your dental clinic design that are used for things like storage, amenities and even staff/ public parking areas.

Bad lighting is one of the main causes of trips and falls and therefore you are heavily reducing the rick of a staff member or patient injuring themselves within your premises if you provide them with good lighting.

If the area they are in is well lit they are far less likely to walk into any hazardous situations.

Sensor lights can be a huge benefit in areas such as public amenities or hallways that are not used on a regular basis. With the use of sensors lighting is only activated when required so you are also saving energy.

Correct Lighting Gets the Job Done

Not only do staff members and patients need good light, you as a dentist need the best lighting of all in order to do your job properly.

Make sure if you are handing over the specification side of things to your medical fit out company that they are across the required equipment for your particular dental clinic and have the right relationships in place with suppliers in order to get the best deal possible, while maintaining the quality you need.

As you can see when considering a new dental clinic design or refurbishing your existing practice it is important to consider every element and how it could potentially affect not only you and your staff but also your patients.

We know that good lighting is essential to any working environment and can help staff members perform tasks to their highest potential and in turn provide your patients with a comforting, calm environment.

Why Infection Control is Important During Hospital Construction

Allied Services / By Clinics By Design

When it comes to hospital and medical clinic construction it has always been important to design with infection control in mind but with the added complexity of the current COVID-19 pandemic it is imperative your design incorporates everything you may need in order to keep your staff and patients as safe as possible.

In line with the current government guidelines the standard precautions when it comes to infection control are:

Hand hygiene and cough etiquette

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

The safe use and disposal of sharps

Routine environmental cleaning

Incorporation of safe practices for handling blood, body fluids and secretions as well as excretions

So how can we design to incorporate these precautions in an easy to use and understand manner when it comes to your hospital or medical clinic construction?

In order to reduce the risk of disease transmission it is important to make the right design choices which include:

1. Hand Sanitiser Stations –

Good hygiene needs to start from the moment staff members or patients walk through your hospital or clinic’s front doors. In order to give everyone within your hospital or clinic some piece of mind, having a fully stocked sanitisation station available at the entrance is imperative. During times such as these the general mind set is that we will be somewhat protected with the use of hand sanitiser. By having sanitisation stations available, and most importantly, maintained (there is nothing worse than arriving somewhere to find an empty bottle of hand sanitiser or auto station that is dispensing air).

2. Materials and Finishes –

By using antimicrobial finishes and materials on surfaces that are considered high traffic areas you are reducing the risk of transmission between patients and staff members. Upholstery that includes a health grade treatment ensures your furniture has permanent protection against stains, fungus, bacteria and mildew and can be easily cleaned on a daily basis. When it comes to fittings and fixtures being installed into your new hospital or medical clinic construction copper is a fantastic inclusion as it has been found to exhibit extremely impressive antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties through the release of copper ions when microbes, transferred by touching, sneezing etc. land on the copper surface. Although stainless steel is seen as the more cost effective and cleaner option (due to the finish when cleaned), regular wear and tear can create indentations and scratches that leave valleys in which superbugs and viruses can reside and escape cleaning procedures.

3. Reduce Exposure –

Horizontal surfaces can be a breeding ground for germs, especially if they are not cleaned properly, so the best thing to do when going through the interior details of your hospital or medical clinic construction is minimise these areas. Not only does it give you less areas to worry about having cleaned properly but it cuts out the issue all together. Of course it is impossible to have absolutely no horizontal surfaces within your clinic but it is a good idea to reduce these surfaces where you can. Things like automatic doors and curtains, sensor taps and the specification of equipment with as few flat surfaces as possible can make a big difference.

4. Air Management –

When it comes to smart air management in a medical environment natural ventilation and high level filtration systems should be in place in order to keep fresh air coming in while keeping airborne germs out, therefore reducing the risk of germs being recirculated throughout your clinic. Another factor that can be problematic is humidity, therefore humidity control is extremely important in order to reduce the transmission rate of certain microbes.

5. Natural Light –

It has been shown that sunlight has the ability to kill certain types of microbes and therefore letting as much natural light into your clinic as possible can be a huge benefit. Not only does it have benefits when it comes to hygiene but a room filled with natural light can also create a calming environment for patients and staff with a sense of bringing the outside in. Of course there are many other factors that can be taken into consideration when designing your new hospital or medical clinic construction when it comes to infection control but these simple things can make a huge difference to patients and staff. Making it possible for people to feel comfortable within your clinic is a big asset to you and will help to promote word of mouth referrals, repeat patients and happy staff members.

Tips for your Dental Surgery Fitout

Dental Fitouts / By Clinics By Design

Making the decision to take on a new dental surgery fit out can be a very exciting time but there are a few factors that you need to understand before we dot the I’s and cross the T’s.

One of the first things we need to think about is not only whether your existing building is in the best location for you (think ease of parking/ amenities and proximity of competitors) but also has the right amount of space and design flexibility to suit your business today and well into the future.

Existing building conditions are a huge factor when looking to undergo a dental surgery fit out, especially if you are residing in an older building.

As standards and building codes change over the years so do the requirements of your renovation and there may be aspects of your dental practice that need updating in order for any new works to even start.

Where possible, major services such as electrical, mechanical and plumbing should be checked out by a professional prior to works commencing. Something such as lack of body protection or existing plumbing issues can make a huge impact on your project budget and therefore you need to know what works may be required before signing any contracts, thus reducing the risk of any surprise cost variations.

Of course there are always things that cannot be seen on an initial inspection (and may not be discovered until something such as the removal of flooring has taken place) but having an experienced builder handle your dental surgery fit out you are giving yourself the best chance at catching any major issues early.

The current size of your dental clinic is another thing that needs to be taken into consideration when looking at a full dental surgery renovation or fit out.

Think about where you see yourself within the next 5-10 years and whether your current layout has the room to expand with you and your team.

If growing your business is on the cards it is a good idea to think about how you can prepare for the space that may be required in the future.

Rooms that are originally designed for storage or administration purposes can be put together in a way that conversion into a functional consulting suite, if required, is a simple process and will cause minimal disruption to the day to day running of your practice when the time comes.

By ensuring all services that will be required are already installed in the walls you are making the set up process a quick one as your builder will only need to return in order to make these services accessible as opposed to going through a full installation.

At Clinics by Design we pride ourselves on our knowledge within the medical industry. With over 30 years of experience we know what to look for and which elements of an existing building or tenancy may be problematic to a full dental surgery fit out.

By taking the time to sit down with a qualified medical building specialist not only are you potentially protecting yourself from any unforeseen costs you will also be obtaining sound advise on how to prepare your dental practice for the future in the way of space planning and smart design.

Design for the Mind

Leave a Comment / Design / By Clinics By Design

The construction of your Psychology practice is a lot more in depth than just creating a nice waiting area and comfortable consulting rooms for your patients.

In sensitive medical environments, such as psychology clinics, certain things need to be taken into consideration in order to make sure each and every patient has the most positive experience possible.

Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference.

Take parking for example. Parking can be stressful for some people especially if your clinic is situated in a location that is known for lack of it.

Although we realise it isn’t always possible to have ample private parking on site there are other alternatives. Choosing your location carefully to try and incorporate public parking that can be utilised by your patients and/or the ability to walk easily to and from public transport can make a big difference.

Now that your patient has arrived, you need to ensure they get a warm welcome.

The welcome someone gets when they enter your psychology clinic is very important and it is imperative your patients know exactly where they need to go from the moment they walk in the front door.

Where possible within the design of your psychology practice construction you should locate your reception desk as close to the entry as you can so there is a direct go to point for any new patients. If this is not possible and patients need to navigate corridors in order to find your consulting suites clear signage is a must.

Once patients have been registered and are waiting for their appointment to commence they will want to be within a comfortable, inviting and safe space. There are a few easy ways to achieve this.

Something as simple as colourful artwork and tranquil music can be a welcome distraction for patients who may be feeling anxious or stressed while they wait, as can access to reading material based around your services. By providing patients, especially new ones, with brochures on what you do it can put some minds at ease as you are giving them almost a heads up of what to expect in their initial appointment.

When it comes to comfort, safety (not only for your patients but also for you and your staff) is crucial. In the instance a patient may become frustrated or aggressive you need to make sure everyone around them is as safe as possible.

Not only is this important in the waiting area but also in any consulting suites.

The right furniture is key and it is advisable that when it comes to things like coffee tables, the heavier the better in order to prevent anyone picking them up.

This also goes for seating. On the one hand you don’t want your patients chair to be so heavy they can’t move it around themselves in order to get comfortable but you also don’t want to provide something that can be lifted and potentially thrown easily.

Selecting seating with a sled base instead of legs is the first thing that you should consider when choosing seating for both waiting areas and consultation rooms and in some instances even the type of upholstery used may need to be altered to suit. Selecting soft furnishings are great for comfort but you also want to make sure they have been upholstered in a way that all seams are hidden and therefore patients do not have a chance to pick out any staples.

The above aspects can be carried on into your consulting rooms but there are a couple of additional things you may want to consider when locking in the floor pans of your psychology practice construction.

We always recommend the use of a duress system for any doctor who is going to be working alone with patients at any time.

There are a few different options when it comes to duress systems. Buttons can be installed at each desk for discreet activation or fobs/ pendants can be worn. This is simply piece of mind for staff members should a patient become aggressive during their appointment.

We believe it is especially important in an environment that uses ample acoustics. Just as we want patients to feel assured their conversations aren’t being heard by anyone outside we also want staff to feel safe in their own consultation room and that help will be available quickly should they ever need it.

The last thing we like to ensure is a part of any psychology practice construction is the installation of adjustable lighting. Some patients may like a light bright room, something that can also be achieved with natural light utilising windows (or skylights where windows are not available), whereas some may like the lights to be dimmed in order to create a peaceful atmosphere during their appointment.

As you can see these simple things can easily be included into your psychology practice construction, and by including them you are showing not only patients, but your staff that you are willing to take the extra step in order to give them the most positive experience possible.

Is Your Practice Pet Friendly?

Veterinary Fitouts / By Clinics By Design

As the owner of a veterinary clinic of course your clinic is pet friendly, that’s what you do, make pets better and keep them healthy, right?

Although the care you and your staff provide may be second to none, there are certain things you can include in your vet clinic design in order to create a calming atmosphere for animals (and their humans) from the moment they walk in the door therefore making it as pet friendly as possible.

Comfortable design is imperative in any medical environment, including your new veterinary practice.

As we know, vet clinics can be stressful places, not only for animals but also for their owners, so it is extremely important to try and create a warm and welcoming space for everyone.

Animal hospital/ clinic furniture has certain differences to general medical furniture. In a place where ‘spills’ are commonplace you need to furnish in order to keep your space hygienic and comfortable for owners and their pets.

No-one wants to walk into a veterinary waiting room that is loud, smelly and decorated with chairs showing rust due to a few ‘nervous week’s’ over the years. This kind of welcome can be very off-putting and turn people away which also means running the risk of poor, or worse, no word of mouth recommendations.

How your patients and their humans feel when they walk into your clinic sets the mood for the entire appointment which is why it is imperative you get your vet clinic design right from the start.

If someone feels uncomfortable and has to wait for an extended period of time to be attended to their mood might be very different by the time they get to their appointment than if they were to walk into a warm, welcoming space where staff members are on hand to help as quickly as possible.

If you have a pet of your own you will know they are more like family members than pets. And because of this owners want to see a clean clinic in which they feel their pet is going to get the best care possible.

Your waiting area furniture should be designed not only for sick or injured pets but also for their owners.

Think about things such as the floor plan of your waiting area and how you can utilise the space you have in order to create a calming environment for everyone.

Something such as separating this area into two sections where cats can congregate on one side and dogs on the other can make a huge difference to your clinics atmosphere and also opens up the opportunity for targeted retail areas.

If you are a dog owner with a pup who has a tendency for chasing cats up trees you probably aren’t going to be too comfortable walking through a group of cats in order to have a look at the dog food, and nervous cat owners will want to avoid barking dogs at all costs. You are however, more likely to have a look around maybe make a purchase if everything is close and easily accessible.

Good vet clinic design is about remembering the animals coming into your clinic are more than likely not feeling the best and therefore may act out of character when put into a stressful environment and therefore comfort is key.

Staff members also need to be taken into careful consideration when it comes to your vet clinic design. Making sure you are giving them the perfect working environment will ensure they can go about their daily tasks with minimal disruption creating a smooth workflow and increased efficiency.

Having happy staff is also a huge benefit for patients. Flustered looking staff can lead to flustered patients. It’s a knock on effect, therefore by giving your staff members the right vet clinic design to work in from the beginning can go far when it comes to the atmosphere you are looking to create.

Design Concepts to Consider

Design / By Clinics By Design

When it comes to smart medical centre design there are many things that can contribute in creating the perfect environment, not only for your patients, but also for anyone that may be accompanying your patients, your staff and of course you. This is where appointing an experienced healthcare interior design firm is invaluable.

We talk about comfort a lot in our blogs simply because it is so important in any medical environment and needs to be taken into very careful consideration.

As a healthcare interior design firm it is our job to make sure your clinic, which can be quite a stressful environment for some, is set up in order to make your patients and staff members feel as relaxed as possible from the moment they arrive.

Envisage happy staff working seamlessly due to good layout and relaxed patients made to feel this way from the moment they walk in your front door thanks to a warm and inviting welcome. It may not be obvious but design plays a huge part in this.

here are our 5 concepts that are a must-do in any medical centre design.

Design for Comfort

Comfortable seating to suit different bodies and age groups as well as accessible amenities are just a given in any medical centre design.

Some people may not like asking where toilets are, or for a drink of water while they wait so by having these things easily accessible with the use of clear signage to amenities and refresh stations (filtered water) in the waiting area you are creating one less stress during their visit.

Safety is also a form of comfort for staff members. Utilise your healthcare interior design firm’s knowledge when it comes to smart layouts. Something as simple as having the public amenities within view of reception may not seem like a big deal but can make a big impact on staff. Not only can they see who is coming and going (without having to worry about patients wandering out of site and possibly into rooms they shouldn’t be in), if patients can see where the amenities are clearly it is one less question they have to ask.

Design for your Staff

In order for staff to work seamlessly (well as seamlessly as possible in a busy medical environment) it is essential you have their work areas set up properly.

We encourage all clients who are setting up a new medical clinic to involve their staff members when it comes to the layout and design of certain areas. Although you may think the printer looks better in a certain spot of the reception desk it could be totally unworkable for someone trying to help numerous people during busy times.

Take the time to show staff your proposed plans and ask for input. Of course it is impossible to keep everyone happy and there will most likely be someone that doesn’t like the colour of the chairs being used in the kitchen but for layout purposes it can not only make a huge difference but also shows your staff you are willing to listen to what it is they need in order to make their job easier.

Design for Compliance

DDA compliance (Disability Discrimination Act) ensures equal access and opportunity within your clinic for anyone with a disability and should be an imperative part of any healthcare interior design brief.

Not only do you need to ensure you are designing for easy access and movement for patients but also for staff members. Access for the disabled should not stop anyone from doing a job they are completely capable of doing and therefore with the addition of ramps, disabled amenities and lift access where required you are ensuring access and inclusion for everyone.

Design for the Environment

Going green isn’t anything new in the medical or commercial construction world but it doesn’t mean it isn’t still essential.

There are plenty of ways you can build green, such as using insulation and utilising natural light in order to cut down on electricity and selecting environmentally sustainable fabrics and flooring (there are a range of amazing suppliers out there doing incredible things for the environment) just to name a few.

Another option when it comes to designing your new medical clinic from scratch is using Passive House Design. You can find all the information you need in our previous blog ‘Have you Heard of Passive House Design?’ (https://clinicsbydesign.com.au/blog/have-you-heard-of-passive-house-design/) or by calling us to speak to our in-house passive house specialist Kostas Stefanidis.

Design for Tomorrow

These days it seems like technology is constantly changing so it important to set your space up with the ability to accommodate any changes you might encounter in the future.

Whether it is administration software or treatment room equipment it is a smart move to be ready.

This can be done through electrical works, joinery and even creating additional storage spaces that can easily be converted into consultation rooms down the track if space permits.

Of course there are more than 5 concepts when it comes to good medical centre design but these are a fantastic starting point and great way to start the conversation with your design and construct company to ensure you are on track to get the perfect practice for you, your staff and patients.

Interior Design in Myotherapy

Interior Design / By Clinics By Design

When it comes to interior design within Myotherapy comfort is key.

Whether your clinic offers myotherapy treatments only or you are sharing a tenancy with other allied services, such as physiotherapists, it is imperative you get the design of your own space right from the very beginning.

Not only will this create a comfortable and warm environment for your patients to visit, easing any tension they may have about their appointment, it will also provide your staff with the type of clinical space they can work seamlessly and efficiently in order to give your patients the best possible experience.

Comfort within a medical environment starts from the moment your patients walk through the front door, so whether you are looking for a new tenancy or want to renovate your existing clinic there are certain things that need to be taken into consideration when combining your location with your new myotherapy interior design.

Easy access to your clinic is absolutely a requirement. Given you are seeing patients with an array of different injuries it is imperative that everyone can enter and exit your clinic in a dignified manner.

If you are looking to renovate an existing clinic you should already have the required ramp access into the building but if you are starting from scratch this is something that will need to be looked into. It is a good idea to get yourself familiar with the commercial ramp guidelines in order to get a good understanding of what is required for your clinic.

Along with this, if your clinic is located above ground floor lift access will need to be available if it isn’t already.

Once your patients are in the door you want the reception and waiting area to be a warm, inviting space that is easy to navigate. There is nothing worse than walking into a building and having no idea where it is you need to go. Place your reception desk and amenities as close to the entry as possible or ensure you have clear signage in cases where the reception and amenities are located away from the entrance in order to make everyone’s life a little easier.

Once registered there are a few little things that can be incorporated into your myotherapy interior design that will make your patients wait a little more comfortable.

Items such as self-serve filtered water stations for patients that might be feeling anxious or had to exert some additional energy getting themselves to your clinic and seating options to suit different bodies and injuries can make a huge difference.

Access to reading material on the treatments and services you provide can also be a benefit to patients, especially new ones that have never been to a myotherapy session before. Not only will this give them some kind of understanding of what to expect during their appointment it may also be informative to learn of the other services and/or treatments you can provide.

Once in the consultation room it is advisable to have an area separate to the treatment bed in which patients can place clothing and sit once their appointment is over in order to discuss treatment plans etc. This can be something as simple as a visitors chair placed next to or across from you at your desk.

Depending on the size of your consultation room you may also want to have an additional chair for any family members that may be there to accompany the patient at their appointment.

One other little extra you may like to include is the availability of mirrors in all rooms along with complimentary make up wipes, hair ties and even single use deodorant for patients who may be attending an appointment on their lunch break and would like to go back to work without the worry of smudged make up and messy hair due to lying on a table for an extended period of time.

Not only do your consultation/ treatment rooms need to be comfortable for your patients but also for yourself and your staff. Make sure you have considered everything you and your staff may need and where things need to be positioned in order to make every session as efficient as possible.

Joinery and positioning of beds etc. are essential items to get right in the early design process and can make a huge difference once you start practicing.

As you can see, through proper planning and good design creating a comfortable, inviting and well-functioning clinic is simple.

Making Use of Unused Space

Medical Fitouts / By Clinics By Design

Although we may be known as Melbourne’s Medical Fit out Specialists what you might not know about us is that we have also got over 30 years of experience in commercial office fit outs. What this means is we have the expertise and skill to turn any unused office space you have within your medical facility into fully functional areas for you and your staff members.

Whether you need fit out services in Melbourne, Sydney or Perth we are keen to travel in order to bring your medical vision to life.

Time after time we come across medical facilities that have been converted from residential houses and therefore have multiple rooms, some of which are not used at all and become dumping grounds for unwanted items.

Just because you may not be using some of the space you have in your clinic doesn’t mean it is wasted. Depending on what you would like to do it can be relatively easy and cost effective to turn these areas into fully functioning areas for patients and staff.

Consider the following when looking at what you could do with your current space:

Rent It Out

In many Melbourne fit outs renting a room out to a pathology company is very common. Not only will this get you some additional money in rent, it also has the potential to bring some patients into your clinic that otherwise may not have visited.

Break out Space

When it comes to breaks not everyone wants to sit in a kitchen where multiple people are eating and/or creating different smells from the microwave. This is where a break out area away from the lunch room can come in handy. Not only does it create a secondary quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of lunchtime but also gives your staff and area in which they can make personal phone calls etc. without feeling like the entire office can hear them.

Create Space to Collaborate

If you are lucky enough to have two rooms next to one another that can be combined you have opened yourself up to a very valuable space. By replacing fixed walls with operable walls you have the option of having one large boardroom, which could also be used as a training room or private function room, or breaking it up into two smaller meeting rooms. By introducing the option of such a space and labelling it ‘the new boardroom’ as opposed to the room that we store things you will find staff members are much more likely to use it.

Work Related Quiet Space

At times there will be sensitive conversations your nurses need to have with patients over the phone so creating a comfortable area in which they can have an open conversation away from the hustle and bustle of the reception desk/ waiting room is invaluable. Giving them a quiet space in which they can talk without having to worry about other patients listening into the conversation, or feeling rushed off the phone with people waiting to be seen, creates the opportunity to answer any questions your patients may have in depth and give them the time they deserve.

Time to Recover

If space permits having a recovery room or private waiting area within your clinic can be a huge benefit. There may be times in which a patient needs to wait within the practice before they can leave. Whether its time in between treatments, waiting for results or even the required wait time after a vaccine it can be nice to have a quiet space in which patients can sit, away from a busy waiting room. Not only will this make them feel much more comfortable it can also have a knock on effect to waiting patients. For example if a child who is upset from a needle comes back into the waiting area crying it may upset other children.

As you can see, what you may view as a pointless, empty space can be transformed into an extremely useful area that shows your staff and patients that little bit of extra care.

Keeping staff and patients comfortable is what will keep them coming back so it is imperative you utilise your entire space to its full potential to make sure your clinic stands out from the rest for all the right reasons.

Getting Your Medical Centre Plan Right

Medical Fitouts / By Clinics By Design

One of the most important things when it comes to your new Medical Centre is getting the plan right from the very beginning.

Although you may have a strong vision of what you want your clinic to look like there will always be important factors that you may not have taken into consideration in order to create a safe and functional working environment.

From forward planning in order to create a clinic that can accommodate future growth to the location of certain rooms, the little things are what will set your clinic apart from the others.

When deciding on your final medical centre plan, setting up not only for now but for the future is key.

Although you may not need that additional consultation room or space for extra receptionists on opening day it is important to look to the future and have a think about where you see your medical centre in 5, 10 or 15 years time.
Do you envisage inviting additional specialists to practice from your clinic? Will these specialists require their own administration and if so where will they sit and store their files etc.

Creating your medical centre plan with the future in mind is a smart way to safeguard yourself against the risk of having to do more substantial (and costly) building works in the near future should your business grow. As well as this the additional areas that are not being utilised can also serve the purpose of staff quiet rooms or extra storage in the short term.

The physical floor plan of your clinic is equally important. The location of certain things in order to make your staff members jobs easier will in turn make them more efficient.
Something as simple as designing a reception desk with enough space to accommodate a printer instead of locating it in another room can make all the difference to a busy day.

It is impossible to know exactly what is needed in a job that you do not do yourself which is why it is so important you get input on layout of certain areas from your administration and nursing staff before setting anything in stone. Something that you might think will work seamlessly could in fact be a disadvantage to someone else.

Another important area of any medical centre plan is the location of amenities.
Locating public bathrooms at the front of your medical centre makes them easily accessible to waiting patients and gives reception staff a clear view of who is coming and going.

If you were to place these down at the other end of your clinic, although this might seem like the best option as they are out of the way, you have all of a sudden lost site of patients who are now wandering around the corridors and could potentially gain access to consult and/or treatment rooms that either haven’t been locked or are occupied with other patients at the time creating a security concern.

Staff toilets (if you have the space to include them) on the other hand are of more benefit at the back of the medical centre. This gives staff members some privacy and can be located close to the staff room where they do not need to walk past patients in order to gain access.

These are only a couple of things that need to be taken into consideration when deciding on your final medical centre plan but as you can see, even the smallest of things can make the biggest difference.

planning & Executive - Clinics by Design

Good Design Isn’t Only Physical

Design / By Clinics By Design

When establishing your new dental clinic the comfort of your patients should come first and foremost.

Comfort can come in many different forms and while your selected dental practice designer will ensure your new clinic showcases the aesthetic you want and will also create the perfect atmosphere, the comfort you provide to your patients needs to start prior to walking through the door.

When you think about how you would approach booking an appointment with a new dentist, or any other medical professional for that matter, what is the first thing you would do?

The most convenient way to find new medical providers these days is to jump online and have a look at who is in your area, what kind of website they have and to maybe check out any reviews other locals have left.

Given this is how most people will choose their dentist you need to make sure you are getting in front of your preferred market before someone else does. And this is where an experienced dental practice website designer can be invaluable.

Not only will they be able to bring their previous experience to the table but they might have some ideas on what does and doesn’t work when trying to attract traffic that you may not have even thought of.

A dental practice website designer will get you to think about what kind of clientele you are trying to attract and what they might find helpful and/or attractive when it comes to website design and navigation.

You want to make the process of booking at appointment or searching the services you provide as easy as possible, especially if you are dealing with people that may be trying to do more than one thing at a time (think mums or dads booking kids appointments) or the elderly who may not be as computer savvy as others.

In these cases it is important that your website is easy to use and everything is clear. Something as simple as putting a large ‘Book Now’ or ‘Get A Quote’ button on the first page can make some people’s lives a lot easier and save a lot of navigating time.

Already you are making your patients life a little easier and therefore they will be coming to your clinic with a positive attitude and the expectation that your staff and service will be the same.

Think about it like a building site. When you walk past a new building site and it is clean and tidy you automatically think the builder working there must take pride in their work and will therefore create a quality building, whereas if you walk past a building site that is covered in rubbish and left untidy at the end of each day it does put some doubt in your head that the quality of work must not be 100% (whether thats the case or not!)

Remember that comfort prior to walking through the door is what will get them (and others) through the door.

Clinics By Design