In any medical facility, an armchair is more than just somewhere to sit and wait. It is an important piece of equipment that has a direct impact on patient comfort, safety, and dignity, while contributing to the overall hygiene of the environment.
It is therefore of paramount importance to make careful considerations when purchasing contract armchairs for hospitals, clinics and waiting rooms, understanding that this decision goes far beyond simple aesthetics.
What role should armchairs have in a medical context?
Within any medical setting, armchairs have the following role to play:
Support and comfort
Patients in any medical setting often spend a lot of time in a waiting area or recovery room. Because of this, armchairs should offer ergonomic support. This is particularly important for those who are elderly, frail or recovering from a medical procedure. This means you should take into account appropriate seat height, depth, and width. There should also be sufficient back and arm support to allow good posture and reduce pressure points.
Aids to mobility
The chairs are not simply for resting. They are essential tools for patients to sit and stand up safely. This is particularly important for those patients with balance issues, limited mobility, or those recovering from surgery. Key factors here are the height and sturdiness of the armrests.
Hygienic and easy to clean
In healthcare, infection control is non-negotiable. Armchairs need to be designed with materials that allow for frequent and thorough cleaning and disinfection in order to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Durable and long-lasting
High traffic and constant use are features of many medical facilities. Therefore, armchairs must withstand a significant amount of wear and tear, support a range of body types and weights without damage.
Safe & inclusive
Armchairs in medical facilities must be stable, offer appropriate weight capacities and, where possible, be designed to prevent entrapment or falls. Patients come in a range of shapes and sizes, different ages and mobility levels. Medical facility seating should accommodate all of these.
Why are these choices all important?
Several factors are directly influenced by the careful selection of armchairs for a medical environment.
Infection Control and Hygiene
Any surface within the healthcare environment has the potential to be a vector for infection. Any armchair that is nonporous, fluid-resistant and features antimicrobial upholstery, such as medical-grade vinyl, is essential. A good design for any armchair within a medical facility has minimal crevices, seams and exposed wood, which can harbour microbes and moisture. These types of chairs allowed for effective and quick cleaning using hospital-grade disinfectants. Removable cushions further help with deep cleaning.
Look for fabrics with high ”double rub” ratings, which are indicative of abrasion resistance. Robust frames also help to ensure that services not only remain intact but are also easy to clean. Tears and damage can easily become a breeding ground for germs.
Operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Investing in high-quality, durable armchairs from reputable manufacturers ensures fewer repairs and replacements, which can result in overall long-term savings. When these chairs have been designed for easy cleaning, they can also reduce the time and effort of cleaning staff, improving your overall efficiency.
Regulatory compliance and accreditation
Any furniture within a medical facility must adhere to specific industry standards and regulations. You should ensure that any chairs that you choose are CE marked or comply with the appropriate British standards.
It can be a good idea to provide a range of seating options with different armrest configurations to ensure that your facility is welcoming to all individuals and accessible.