3 minute read
HEALTHCARE FURNITURE, FITTINGS AND EQUIPMENT
Published at www.medicalacademic.co.za
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Buildings and the equipment within designed with patient welfare, efficiency and health security systems, change the perceptions of what healthcare. The future of hospitals, theatre rooms and even doctors rooms will be constructed differently.
Incorporating building management systems such as access control, HVAC and furniture fittings are beneficial for the following reasons:
• Control separate areas of the building such as operating theatres from the offices
• Control temperature, fluctuations in temperatures can endanger patients
• Control air handling units, chillers and other ventilation equipment the smart way
• Control service and maintenance of the healthcare structure or equipment with ease
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning products can impact the health of the people inside. Healthcare materials and Healthcare Design 2020 technologies used with nature, natural sunlight and good clean fresh air produces positive health outcomes and is accessible to all.
PREVENT A SICK BUILDING WITH CARE FOR THE HVAC
• Upgrade air filters
• Clean evaporator and condenser coils
• Check refrigerant levels • Check electrical connections
• Check belts and other moving parts for signs of wear
• Calibrate thermostats and humidistats
• Clean drain lines and drip pans
Artificial intelligence and machine learning offer new and better ways to identify disease, diagnose conditions, monitor health epidemics and integrate patient data with treatment plans. Leaning on artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning tools to process big data can predict the probability of conditions to help doctors provide a diagnosis and healthcare. Big data and wearable devices can be exported before a patient sees the doctor, eliminating the need for waiting rooms.
Future hospital equipment and product materials have antiseptic properties, flexible anti-bacterial touchscreens and can even be incorporated to the patient’s bed for control and monitoring purposes. Operating theatres in the future may be run by robotic devices and equipment. Larger equipment such as CT scans will be so small they would fit in the operating room.
Jerry Ong, the architect to Khoo Tech Puat Hospital developed a concept, “Better healthcare experience with architecture, Hospital in a garden”. Ong’s idea to build the hospital between two parks and create a large entrance garden drew in nature and created a facility that heals with nature. Using a water feature, light, natural ventilation and an urban farm the building provided a relaxing environment to the users, one where your blood pressure would drop when you arrive.
Designing and planning healthcare buildings with integrated engineering can prevent, diagnose, treat and manage illnesses and improve the preservation and improvement of physical and mental health.
SUPPLIERS
Arjo South Africa
We’ve talked to architects across the globe to find out more about their process, and how we can support them. The result is the online Arjo Guide for Architects and Planners. The guide includes access to space requirement drawings, room layout examples, BIM objects and CAD drawings. 2 Willem Cruywagen Avenue Klerksoord Akasia Ext 2 Pretoria 0182 Tel: +27 (0)12 527 2000 Sales_za@arjohuntleigh.com Web: www.arjo.com/int
Rodlin Design
Established in 1993, Rodlin Design recently celebrated 20 years of supplying quality products and solutions to the fixed seating and hospitality markets. Rodlin Design operates throughout Southern Africa, with head office in Wynberg, Sandton and branches in Cape Town and Gaborone. Our products are SABS compliant and the WAVE auditorium chair was the winner of the SABS Design Award in 2002. 44 Galaxy Limbro Park Sandton 2090 Tel: +27 (0)11 444 2061 graeme@rodlindesign.co.za Web: www.rodlindesign.co.za
