Focus: Facility Design

Bad hospital design can be unhealthy

Doctor says he is struck daily by how much better hospitals could be designed


In an article on The New York Times website, a resident physician at Massachusetts General Hospital says he is struck daily by how much better hospitals could be designed.

The evidence suggests we’ve been building healthcare facilities all wrong — and that the deficiencies aren’t simply unaesthetic or inconvenient. All those design flaws may be killing us, he wrote.

For instance, research suggests that private rooms can reduce the risk of both airborne infections and those transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces. 

Also, a number of design factors can contribute to dangerous patient falls: poorly lit areas, slippery floors or toilets that are too high or too low. 

Read the article.

 



March 7, 2017


Topic Area: Architecture


Recent Posts

Biofilm 'Life Raft' Changes C. Auris Risk

Microscopic survival structure protects fungal pathogen from disinfectants and help it survive for long periods.


How Healthcare Restrooms Are Rethinking Water Efficiency

Manufacturers discuss strategies, technologies and design approaches that help healthcare facilities meet their sustainability goals.


Northwell Health Finds Energy Savings in Steam Systems

Case study: A proactive steam trap maintenance program is delivering millions in savings, fast payback and measurable carbon reductions across one of the nation’s largest health systems.


The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting

Cleaning methods and products have various purposes in reducing the spread of germs.


Jupiter Medical Center Falls Victim to Third-Party Data Breach

The third party has determined through an investigation that, at least as early as January 22, 2025, an unauthorized third party gained access to personal health information on legacy systems.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.