If you were to draw up a list of priorities when it came to revitalising a hospital or healthcare centre, there are many different things to consider. Of course, the latest technology, equipment and other necessities would understandably be right at the top of that list. But did you know that, as well as improving the aesthetics, repainting hospitals can also have a fundamental impact on the health and safety of the staff, patients and visitors and much more?
When it comes to hospitals and health centres, we understand the importance of ensuring top-notch, efficient work while being considerate and accommodating of the environment. From choosing the right coatings and colours, to developing a work plan that minimises disruptions to your facilities. Here are just some important considerations when repainting your hospital.
Flexibility is key
While a paint job is in progress, it’s fundamental that contractors minimise disruptions and develop a plan that works for everyone. That’s because, particularly in hospitals, there’s already so much going on that the last thing you need is to be working with a team of inflexible contractors. Every room and every bed counts, so you want to ensure that the amount of time any area is out of use is limited.
This is where the importance of flexible working schedules comes in. After all, everyone knows that hospitals are fast-paced, non-stop entities where the next emergency is just around the corner. So having a contractor on site with the knowledge and experience to offer the right kind of flexible scheduling is absolutely essential to the success of a project. Because when you inevitably need to move with little or no notice, having a flexible plan in place means less time wasted for everyone involved.
Experience matters
But it’s not just about being flexible - it’s also about using the right products in the right places at the right times. Having the knowledge and experience to understand which products to use when repainting a hospital can have a massive impact on the length of time a project can take. It can also have a tangible impact on the health and safety of your building too.
That’s why it’s essential to entrust your buildings to the people who really know what they are doing when it comes to repainting hospitals. For example, take quick-drying coatings - an absolute must in this industry. Not only because they get the job done quicker but also because it limits the exposure to everything from fumes to potentially hazardous equipment.
But quick-drying coatings are really just the start. Antibacterial coatings can have a massive impact on the health and safety of your hospital or healthcare facility by severely reducing the potential of spreading harmful infections. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) stated that there are more than 200,000 healthcare-associated infections in hospitals every year. Having the products that can fundamentally turn the tide on this worrying statistic isn’t something that should be missed!
The right colour is more important than you think
Flexible scheduling, experienced contractors, vital product knowledge - all these elements may make a lot of sense. But did you know that even something as seemingly straightforward as choosing the right colour can really impact the health and safety of the people healing in your hospital. This is because research proves that certain colours can have a psychological effect on people.
Hospitals can already be places that create strong emotional responses in people for various reasons. That’s why it’s important to consider anything that can impact people’s moods - positively or negatively - when repainting hospitals. Something as simple as choosing the right colour for your walls and surfaces can have a meaningful impact, helping to create calming, relaxing areas when people already have enough going on.
Put all this together, and one clear narrative becomes obvious - the importance of using experts. Putting your trust in people who know what they are doing and can do the job well will make a big difference in any project. At Higgins Coatings, we’ve been at the top of the game for more than seven decades, so there’s not much we don’t know about painting. So the next time you’re hospital or healthcare facility is in need of revitalising, make sure you give us a call.
Do you find it challenging to plan and schedule painting and maintenance work while minimising disruptions and safety risks to staff and patients? Featuring two expert interviews and four case studies, our Guide to Healthcare Facility Maintenance & Painting will help you through your next project. Download it today.
Higgins Coatings, an ISO tri-certified accredited painting contractor, offers painting services for many of Australia's hospital and healthcare facilities. Our team takes safety, quality, and delivering work on time and within budget as seriously as you do. Contact us today for a consultation.