Creating Better Hospital Environments

Every industry has different needs and requirements for the management of their facilities, but the hospital environment has some unique considerations due to the critical nature of healthcare services. In no particular order, let's cover some key considerations.

Asset Maintenance

To operate successfully, hospitals rely on an extensive range of assets which keep the environment running 24/7. Mapping out planned preventative maintenance schedules for every physical asset – from a light switch to HVAC units – is a critical step to extend their lifespan and reduce ongoing operational costs.

The audit gives a clear picture of end-of-life maintenance, and we can accurately estimate a forecast of all the spend required for the hospital based on the asset management plan.

Tech Integration and Innovation

Healthcare has dramatically benefitted from the progress of technology when it comes to administrative processes and patient care. This is an area where progressive facilities managers stay up to date on the integration and maintenance of existing and emerging technologies, from electronic medical record systems and telemedicine, to smart hospital solutions and beyond.

Regulatory Compliance

Hospitals must comply with numerous local and national regulations and standards relating to patient safety, infection control, medical waste management, and fire safety. Ensuring the environment not only meets all applicable regulations, but actively maintains necessary certifications is something an experienced facility manager will monitor and manage.?

Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared for emergencies such as natural disasters or mass casualty incidents is crucial for hospitals. Developing and regularly updating emergency response plans, coordinating with relevant authorities, and ensuring the availability of backup power, emergency supplies, and communication systems are all aspects you can trust to a facilities manager.

Cleanliness and Infection Control

Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness is vital in the hospital environment to prevent the spread of infections, and a facilities manager will establish effective cleaning protocols, including disinfection of patient rooms, common areas, and operating rooms. They will also manage waste disposal, sterilisation processes, and implement infection control measures.

Medical Waste Management

As we mentioned, waste management in hospitals comes with the need for regulatory compliance. This is because hospitals generate an array of waste types, from general waste to medical waste, up to hazardous materials – all of which need to be properly segregated, stored, transported, and disposed of. This is another area your experienced facilities manager will ensure compliance responsibilities are met, while also minimising any environmental impact.

Safety and Security

The safety and security of patients and staff is of highest priority in hospitals. Facilities managers implement robust security measures appropriate for your environment, including access control systems, video surveillance, and alarm systems. But again, actively monitoring these systems is necessary, so conducting regular safety inspections, maintaining fire safety equipment, and training staff in emergency response procedures is where a facilities manager becomes indispensable.?

Patient and Staff Comfort

In hospitals, staff and patient comfort plays a notable role in creating a healing environment. Facilities managers work to build people-friendly spaces with a welcoming feel. Some considerations are linking spaces with nature and natural light, managing the temperature, lighting, acoustics, and indoor air quality.

Hospitals require a particularly specialised suite of facilities management expertise to support and deliver the highest standards of care. ServiceFM’s extensive experience in this industry plays an important role in us successfully partnering with healthcare clients to tailor solutions that create exceptional environments for staff, patients, and all who use the environment.?