Hospital Environments

When you read the words “patient safety,” you most likely think of medical errors performed by doctors and nurses. But what about threats linked to facility design and environment? 

In hospitals, patients can be affected by things such as the floors, walls and decorations. 

According to Healthcare Design, decorative fountains and water walls have previously been linked to Legionnaires disease, which is a severe form of pneumonia. Infections in both patients and visitors can be spread if they come in contact with the decorative water fountains. 

Recently, participating hospitals were asked about risks associated with the design of their facilities. 

Reports have determined that even the design of the bathrooms can put people in risk; placement of rail bars, flooring and even the number of people using the bathroom can cause people to fall and injure themselves.  

Patients fell less when there were two grab bars instead of one, if there was only one bathroom per patient and if the flooring was vinyl or ceramic tile.  

Organizational leaders can increase facility-related safety by encouraging staff to report hazardous conditions and by participating in environment-of-care rounds.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

At Snyder & Wenner, we strive to keep the community safe when hospital care is involved. We have become patient safety advocates by representing those who have been harmed by hospital error. If you know someone who has been seriously injured from a hospital error, please contact us.

Snyder and Wenner, P.C.

2200 E. Camelback Road

Suite 213

Phoenix, AZ 85016

602-224-0005

www.azmedicalmalpracticelaw.com