User-friendly, intuitive and efficient workspaces can only be described from the viewpoint of those who do the work. Feedback from those who use the space was instrumental in shaping the interior fit up of many rooms in the PCC.
Here are some things that changed as a result of staff feedback:
- Headwalls
- Exact locations of medical gases valves, nurse call console, CPR pocket mask, sharps container and power outlets
- Patient bedrooms
- Sizes of cupboards
- Style of exam light
- Size of viewing window in door to hall and the addition of integral blind within the glass
- Location of light switches, soap and waterless hand-sanitizer dispensers, position of clock and whiteboard
- Patient bathrooms
- Extending the ceiling lift track to the toilet and the exact angle within the ensuite
- Depth of the counter
- Addition of a built-in shower seat
- Weight of the sliding door
- Toilet height
Here are some of the ways we heard from staff members:
Open Houses
We held open houses in January 2010 and August 2008 to:
- unveil emerging designs and collect feedback
- build excitement for the project
- respond to what we heard
- share what is coming soon.
Bed Forum
In October 2009, we held a Bed Forum for staff to learn about prospective beds. We heard a lot of positive comments as to the advanced capabilities of the beds.
Mock-Up Suite Tours
In 2008 and 2009, many VIHA staff, physicians and other stakeholders had a chance to tour the Mock-Up Suite. Feedback from this "real" physical set up was instrumental in shaping the design of patient rooms, common areas and functions. Here is a sample of what staff and other stakeholders had to say:
- "The vision for nursing practice is exciting. The benefits to practicing in a safe, patient-centred environment is truly inspiring. I look forward to the future!" (VIHA-RN)
- "Absolutely fascinating design - congratulations on involving staff - well done!" (VIHA-RN)
- "I really appreciate the thought that went in to designing the space to be elder friendly" (VIHA-OT)
- "Lots of design considerations have been made to address health and safety issues at other older facilities - good work!" (Worksafe BC)