Hospital Ward Design Complete

The design layout of the wards in the new hospital have been completed. The architects have developed a design that will provide patients with a high level of privacy and dignity, and provide staff sufficent space to deliver the best possible care.

The new ward design
(Click on the image to see a larger version)

The entrance to the ward is at the top right immediately next to the reception desk and adjacent to the interview room and ward offices. The patient area is divided into three separate zones, one 7-bed unit and two 11-bed units. This allows patients with differing needs to be treated in the most appropriate environment.

Over 50% of the beds are in single rooms, one of which includes a lobby so it can be used as an isolation room. All the bedrooms have their own wheelchair accessible en-suite with a WC, basin and shower. There is an additional bathroom and WC suitable for use by an independent wheelchair user.

The ward design also incorporates the new cruciform 4-bed bay. The architects on the project, Nightingales Associates, have been studying the benefits of this layout for a number of years. It provides greater separation between patients and more space for ward staff to use hoists and other important equipment. It also allows the creation of two quiet areas where patients can sit with relatives or have their meals.