Here is what to look for when purchasing healthcare furniture.
Selecting the right healthcare furniture goes far beyond aesthetics. In behavioral health centers, medical offices, dental practices, and hospitals, furniture directly impacts function, safety, and comfort. Making smart, intentional decisions when choosing medical office furniture or behavioral healthcare furniture can lead to smoother operations and long-term value. Here is what to look for when purchasing healthcare furniture.
Cleanability
Maintaining excellent sanitation standards in a healthcare environment is crucial for patients’ and human safety. If hospitals or other medical facilities are not clean and sanitized, sick patients with compromised immune systems are susceptible to contracting other illnesses or infections.
For example, opt for furniture with nonporous materials, like laminate desks and chair coverings, which won’t store bacteria as easily. Vinyl and plastic upholstery that can be cleaned and disinfected with cleaning solutions is easier to clean than fabrics. Overall, selecting healthcare furniture that is in constant contact with many people is advisable for great benefits.
Durability
Everyone wants durable furniture, especially in healthcare. In a hospital setting, long-lasting furniture means less exposure to scuffing or scratches. Consequently, these abrasions to the furniture material can store harmful germs. This is why healthcare furniture must endure use by all types of people. Moisture-resistant coverings on furniture help enhance the longevity of the pieces. Consider purchasing high-quality, constructed furniture so it can withstand long-term use and cleaning.
Ergonomics
Patient-centric furniture should also be comfortable for any patient in any health condition. For instance, ergonomic furniture is particularly designed for comfort. Patients, their families, and employees need comfortable seating in a waiting area. Geriatric patients require seating to accommodate their limited mobility and strength when getting out of a seat. Seating for these patients usually is wider or doesn’t have constricting armrests.
Safety Features on Furniture
Look for safety features on your healthcare furniture, including:
- Bed and chair footings to prevent patients from slipping and falling.
- Side handrails assist patients with limited mobility to get in and out of bed safely.
- Adjustable height beds and chairs help improve circulation and reduce the risk of pressure sores or falls in patients.
- Healthcare furniture with rounded or blunt edges prevents accidental injuries for patients during falls or transfers.
At Edwards & Hill, our team is here to help you equip your facility with safe, reliable, and well-designed furnishings. Connect with us today to explore our healthcare furniture solutions. Let’s work together to create environments that truly support care and healing.
Contact Edwards & Hill for Your Healthcare Furniture Needs
Are you ready to redesign your office to maximize productivity and creative thinking? Edwards & Hill can help you design and install the perfect designs for your business. Edwards & Hill is a leading office, education, medical, and hospitality furniture provider with high-quality design and installation services for any style or scale. We have our headquarters in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, and another convenient office location in St. Louis, Missouri. If you are ready to get your office design started, contact us online or give us a call at 301-317-4250. For the St. Louis office, please call 314-797-5077. For more furniture design tips, follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.