Hospitals are very complex places to find your way through, and clarity on where to go can literally save lives. Within a hospital, there may be many departments, specialist rooms, and other facilities located in one large building or even a campus. Well-designed directional signs can help map an easy route through the building thereby easing tension among patients and visitors, as well as helping medical persons reach their intended destination as easily and quickly as possible.
Elements of Effective Directional Hospital Signs
- Clear Language and Readability: Plain language and large, easily readable fonts are very accessible, especially to those who are non-native speakers or elderly patients with vision impairments. A high-contrast, non-glare sign placed at eye level allows for much-improved visibility and readability of directions.
- Full ADA Compliance: ADA-compliant signs are no doubt very important features in any public facility, but they hold extra value in care facilities. For instance, braille signs, high-contrast visual signs, and tactile text allow visually impaired visitors to easily get where they need to go. Compliance with the ADA means accessibility and conformed health care standards.
- Durability of Material: The materials used for hospital directional signs must be able to take on constant traffic and frequent cleaning. We at Optimum Signs utilize some of the most robust materials, such as aluminum and acrylic, that are known for their strength and ease of maintenance.
Types of Directional Signs for Hospitals
Lobby and Entrance Signs
Being the first point of contact, entrance and lobby signs direct patients to various areas like registration, waiting rooms, and elevators. It is a well-structured way of commanding immediate attention since large posters, either wall-mounted or hanging, give direct guidance to people. Graphical illustrations on the floors will make further improvements in wayfinding that will direct any new visitor into the main departments upon entry.
Wayfinding
Wayfinding signs are important in long corridors. Overhead signs or wall-mounted directional panels assist visitors by pointing them in the direction of specific areas. The ICU, laboratory, radiology, or the emergency department are just a few examples. These signs minimize confusion better allowing visitors to remain oriented while negotiating complex layouts.
Room Identification and Department Signs
Utility identification signs show that every room is very well indicated for the patients or any department and specialized facility. Many of them include Braille and tactile lettering to accommodate all patients while custom designs help rooms differentiated by department help make identification easier and almost instinctive.
Emergency Exit and Safety Signs
Visible and clear exit signs are crucial in disaster situations. Illuminated signs, along with symbols and texts guide people towards staircases, emergency exits, and assembly points. Emergency signage systems have the capacity to remain visible during power disruption and every other kind of disaster; therefore, they are a key component of hospital safety.
Get the Directional Signs Your Hospital Needs!
Contact Optimum Signs today to discuss a customized sign package for your Brookfield hospital.
