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

AI Adoption on the Rise Among Leaders

AI usage increased in all markets in the fourth quarter of 2025.


TriasMD Officially Opens DISC Surgery Center at Tarzana

At 10,930 square feet, DISC Surgery Center at Tarzana includes three high-technology operating rooms and 11 patient care bays.


Goshen Health Announces Partnership with Parkview Health

Through this partnership, Goshen anticipates becoming Parkview's largest hospital outside of Fort Wayne and will serve as a regional hub for care, access and growth.


Severe Winter Weather: What Healthcare Facilities Must Prioritize

Prioritizing critical systems and strategies is key to protecting patients, staff and operations during severe winter weather.


Recovery Centers of America Opens New Facility in Florida

Spanning 19 acres, the campus will include seven buildings, a pond, an outdoor recreation area with a pool, a full basketball court and a rock-climbing wall.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.