Healthcare and hospital flooring plays a crucial part in creating a quality care environment. To choose an appropriate option, there are several factors to consider such as it being anti-skid and slip resistant, durable and easy to maintain. Aesthetical aspects and the cost of the flooring are important aspects to consider.
It is advisable to use safe flooring options for each area of the healthcare facility to mitigate accidents, reduce noise and ensure the safety and security of the patients and staff.
The installation is recommended to be a rapid process so that there is minimal disruption to staff and patients. The flooring also needs to be highly durable as there is heavy traffic in hospitals such as the movement of doctors, nurses, patients, their families and other visitors; hospital floors experience heavy amounts of rolling loads. These include equipment carts, stretchers, wheelchairs and other facility carts. It may be advised that the designs of the flooring should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but should also define clear paths and ensure easy movement and circulation.
Slip resistant anti-skid flooring
In most parts of the hospital, it is advisable that the flooring chosen should be textured to prevent people from slipping and falling. When navigating changes in flooring, care should be taken to maintain seamless and smooth corners without height differences to prevent people from tripping.
However, while this is important, the flooring should still allow a level of softness and cushion to absorb a fall. As hospital staff are always on the move and some patients have trouble walking, providing a cushioned floor will make it more comfortable to walk thereby reducing the stress on their ankles and knees.
Maintenance and sanitation
Each area of the hospital has unique needs. Larger areas such as entrances and waiting rooms must be durable as well as high performing as there is a lot of foot fall. In patient and operation areas, it is advised that the flooring is sterile, easy to clean, moisture resistant and impervious to contamination by pathogens or bacteria.
Noise absorption and cushioning
It is desirable that the flooring used for hospitals should support the recovery patients trying to rest and recuperate as well as doctors and nurses who are required to concentrate. Therefore floorboards that effectively absorb noise effectively are best suited for the facility.
Conclusion:
The demands placed on a medical center or hospital floor makes this decision one of the most important regarding design and texture. Durability, a warm and pleasing atmosphere and a floor that is easy to maintain are important factors to consider during the design process.
About the author:Parvathi S. Rao is the principal architect of PSR Architecture. The firm was established in 2011 and specializes in the research and design of a wide spectrum of projects ranging from residences, retail, corporate, hospitality, renovations and institutions.
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