Healthcare Engineering

My Mother was a Registered Nurse, and I remember as a kid dreading to go visit her because the ambiance of the place was rather overwhelming to me...

I was wondering during the last year, while grandchildren were being born, why the new hospitals are so much more refreshing... and I think at least one significant factor is that the hallways and the rooms are generally more spacious

the hallways are twice the width as when I was a kid.. and the rooms where my children were born are half the size where my grandchild was born.

this makes the place quieter and seem less 'intense'

during my years working in HVAC, I know that digital controls have made a huge impact on hospital airflows, and there are now strict regulations governing air quality in hospitals. this has a major influence over the smells that used to be common in hospitals. Also, management focus on duct cleaning and regular filter replacement is bound to have an air quality effect.

Lighting is better too. and there are much more greenspace waiting rooms, comfortable furniture, parking available, etc... and great food in the cafeterias.

I also think that there has been continuous growth in the cleanining products industry, and so that makes the place smell better. I know from my Mother that the cleaning effort of the hospital staff has probably decreased since her time.. but the quality is still high due to quality products and equipment.

so all in all, I'm pleased with the improvements in hospitals (new and old) I've visited in the Ottawa area (Ontario) and Red Deer. (Alberta)

Chris

A definite yes! Hospital's environmental conditions plays a major role in patient care and rehabilitation. Technical items such as proper temperature, humidity and # of air exchanges are conditions that plays a bigger role in one's physical comfort and well-being which therefore must be well maintained and regulated. Aesthetic conditions such as color of paints used, equipment and patients furnishings, and other wall ornaments beside the design in room layouts becomes the close-second in addressing the physical as well as the psychological aspects of a patients full recovery.

I truly believe that art plays a key role in therapeutic healing atmosphere in any hospital setting. Just looking at art has this southing effect on people. Then if we could implement art therapy, patient activity, patients doing art like painting... It has its advantage in the healing process...

Art has proven to reduce pain thus reduce medication. It reduces agitation and build the insulation wall around your neurons to fight again dementia and Alzheimer. We need to bring art therapy into the hospital for all to experience. I call it art medicine and the best thing there is not side effect, only benefits...

Have A Great Day!

Lise King

agreed. ga.