Importance of welcoming reception areas for the healthcare sector

Creating a welcoming reception area and entrance is critical to meeting the UK government’s objective of building a more patient-focused healthcare service. Some of the key aspects of entrance and reception design and layout are highlighted below:

Functional yet pleasing design

All patients need to feel welcomed within healthcare services, and the reception and entranceways are critical for establishing that vital first impression. Although these areas are functional, there’s no need to neglect their aesthetics so it’s important to make them as welcoming as possible. The use of warm colour tones, carpeting and durable, comfortable seating in reception areas, combined with friendly and professional staff members, will go a long way to making patients feel much more relaxed.

The importance of multi-function & welcoming reception areas in healthcare

Your reception area will be the main point for arrivals and departures from the facility and will also be used by patients waiting for their appointments. It may be a place for socialisation and could also be used by members of the public for information gathering and obtaining assistance.

All of the above factors make it important to provide as much useful information as possible within your reception area. This may include:

• All car parking and routes in and out of your facility
• Directional signs within your building
• Information on opening and closing times
• Notices on whether the use of mobile phones is permitted
• Details on public transportation and local taxis, if applicable
• Smoking policy on site
• Clinical information and facility-specific information about the patient’s rights and responsibilities
• Information on further support that can be accessed
• Welcome notice board and information about key personnel on duty

Consideration should also be given to providing all the above information to any patients or visitors with sight or reading problems. You can find out more about creating and improving the patient journey on the NHS Estates website.

Welcoming reception areas – where to find out more

David Bailey are specialist furniture manufacturers for the healthcare sector and can provide tailored reception desks and durable healthcare notice and display boards, that can be put in place when needed, storage units and fittings or accessories needed to meet the exacting demands of contemporary healthcare design and comply with all relevant legislative requirements.

Visit our reception furniture page to find out more, or get in touch to discuss how we may help with the fit-out of your healthcare/hospital project.