Hospitals are often seen as imposing structures, both in their physical size and in the impression they make on patients and visitors. But what are the considerations that go into the design of a hospital? What is the architect's role in the process?
I. Hospitals of the Past
Most hospitals of the past were very different than the hospitals of today. For one, they were often very large and ornate buildings. They were also often used as a place to treat the sick as well as a place to house the sick. In fact, many hospitals of the past were actually called "lazarettos." This is because the word "lazaretto" means "hospital" in Italian.
II. The Modern Hospital
The modern hospital is a marvel of science and engineering. It is a place of healing and hope, where the sick and injured can receive the treatment they need to recover. But the hospital is more than just a place to receive treatment. It is also a place to learn, to research, and to improve the health of people all over the world.
The modern hospital is a product of the Scientific Revolution. In the 16th and 17th centuries, scientists like Galileo and Isaac Newton developed new ways of thinking about the world and the universe. They overturned centuries-old beliefs and showed that the world was a place of change and progress.
This new way of thinking about the world led to new inventions and discoveries. In the medical field, doctors and scientists developed new ways to treat diseases and injuries. They also developed new ways to prevent illness and injury.
The modern hospital is a product of this new way of thinking. It was founded in the 18th century, when doctors and scientists began to open hospitals to the public. These hospitals were different than the traditional hospitals of the time. They were based on the new principles of science and engineering.
The modern hospital is a place of healing and hope. But it is also a place of learning and progress. It is a place where doctors and scientists can work together to improve the health of people all over the world.
III. The Future of Hospitals
The future of hospitals is uncertain. With the rise of technology, more and more people are choosing to receive medical care from their homes or through telemedicine. This is causing many hospitals to close, and those that remain are struggling to stay afloat.
It is unclear whether hospitals will be able to survive in the age of technology. Some experts believe that they will eventually become obsolete, while others think that they will eventually evolve into something else. Whatever the future holds, it is clear that hospitals are in for some major changes.
Only in the last few years has healthcare facility planning and construction begun getting its due in India. We now realize the important role the design and planning of the hospital plays in healing the patient. The aim of an architect is to ensure that their design satisfies the people living and functioning in the space they designed, including the Doctors, Nurses, Staff, and of course, the Patient. All hospital requirements must be met in the design. Accordingly, it is the Architect's duty and responsibility to design.
With the advent of Healthcare Accreditations like the NABH & JCI and Consultants like us specializing in the field, the scenario began to change. The vast experience we have with quality accreditation helped us understand the specific infrastructure requirements to meet NABH & JCI standards. We realized that it is not just important, but mandatory to look into these aspects from the healthcare facility planning and layout stage. We saw how almost all areas of the Hospital needed to be designed with regard to meeting the Patient Safety requirements of the Accreditation Standards, right from designing the widths of the staircases and corridors, to providing the required space between Beds in the Wards and even locating the Nursing Stations etc.
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