The Meander Medical Centre
in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, was built entirely according to healing environment principles.
The recently opened Meander Medical Centre in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, was built entirely according to these principles. The layout and design of this hospital are intended to facilitate much-needed rest and promote the recovery process.
At a recent seminar in the hospital, several experts laid out their visions on the topic of healing environments. Philip van Klaveren, facilities manager at the Meander Medical Centre, explained why this Dutch hospital is different from other hospitals. “The main characteristic is the huge amount of natural light entering the building, which helps with orientation and creates a feeling of spaciousness. We want this hospital to breathe hospitality. We therefore have only single rooms, and the waiting rooms are comfortably furnished.”
Reducing noise
“Reducing noise is also important in a healing environment,” said Philip van Klaveren. “This is partly a matter of awareness. You can train the staff not to talk too loud. In addition, as far as possible we keep the transport of goods and patients out of the sight and hearing of patients and visitors. This all helps create a welcoming, patient-friendly environment.”
Scientists are not yet clear as to what extent a healing environment really contributes to a speedy recovery, said Irene Jongerden, researcher at the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht). “But the research that we conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) at UMC Utrecht shows that the satisfaction of patients and their loved ones is higher in such an environment. The new ICU has single rooms with less noise, a nice view, artificial light in a colour of your choice and better facilities for the family.”
Read the full story and watch the video about the case in the new digital ECO Magazine Healthcare Edition (completely free)
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