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Investing In An Updated Hospital Signage Program
-by Sara Kaplan
When it comes to signage, those constructing or renovating
a healthcare facility must balance the need for a sense
of calm with the need for a clear understanding of how
to navigate as efficiently as possible through the facility.
Hospitals can be an intimidating maze of hallways
and departments for both patients and visitors, and
in facilities undergoing change, it is common to encounter
inadequate way finding signage. Visitors and patients
entering a hospital are often stressed, preoccupied
or disoriented and need to know the easiest way into,
through and out of the hospital. They also should
be able to identify emergency exits and be informed
of areas that are unsafe and off limits to them.
Two common problems with older signage are that
it often is not compliant with the Americans With Disabilities
Act (ADA) and that there are too many unnecessary signs,
creating confusing visual clutter. These were key problems
faced by the Laurel Regional Hospital of the Dimensions
Healthcare System, in Laurel, MD. In 1995, Laurel Regional
Hospital began construction on a new addition. A new
signage program was implemented to incorporate the design
elements of the new structure while complying with ADA
requirements and way finding needs.
Updating The Old
The new way finding plan proved to be so effective
the Laurel Regional proceeded further to address the
problematic issues in their existing facility and began
an investment in an updated signage program. The existing
signs were original to the hospital. Much of the tactile
and Braille was taped onto the sign faces, leaving
a less than aesthetic appearance. Also, there was
little uniformity throughout the facility, and visitors
often had difficulty finding their way.
After weighing their options and budgetary considerations,
Laurel Regional decided to gradually integrate new
signs with the existing ones. They hired a programmer
to simplify and improve their signage. The programmer
studied their people and workflow to identify what
old signs should be eliminated and what new signs
should be added.
The first step was to update the evacuation maps.
The hospital combined their floor directories with window
evacuation maps on each floor. These signs navigate
people around each floor and enable then to exit the
facility with efficiency in the case of an emergency.
After the directories were installed, Laurel Regional
moved forward with updating all of the signage throughout
their facility.
Conclusion
Updating and implementing a signage standards program
is a long-term commitment for Laurel Regional Hospital
but a wise one. Effective way finding is critical to
the safety and well-being of patients, visitors and
staff and represents an important investment for this
and all healthcare facilities. Proper planning and
careful selection of signage products is money well
spent.
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