Clinical fit-outs come with a different set of considerations to standard commercial projects. From the way people move through the space to specialist equipment, services, compliance and finishes, there is a lot to think about before construction begins.
Getting these decisions right during the early stages can make the construction process much more straightforward and help create a clinical environment that works effectively once it is in use.
We sat down with Tim Day to answer some of the questions clients should be asking when planning a clinical fit-out.
Q: When should you involve a contractor in a clinical fit-out project?
As early as possible but preferably before the client has committed to a particular premises. I can assist with some of the more practical considerations that come with designing and fitting out a property. These range from what space do we have to work with and what is the client trying to achieve to how are we going to deal with wastewater drainage.
Q: What makes a clinical fit-out different from a standard commercial fit-out?
Ultimately, clinical fit-outs need to accommodate logical workflows, be easily cleaned, have adjustable lighting for different areas and be nice places to work for both staff and patients.
Q: What should you consider when choosing a building for a new clinic or practice?
Location, accessibility and parking are key, especially for veterinary practices. They need to be located in good catchment areas, easily accessible by car and have quick parking availability. The last thing you want in an emergency is not to be able to park right outside your vet’s.
Q: How important is the layout and day-to-day workflow?
Layout is key. Particularly front-of-house reception areas, separating Cat and dog waiting areas keeps the animals calmer in a stressful situation. Back of house is also key, as this helps logical workflow. General preparation areas and recovery rooms located near Theatres.
Q: When should specialist equipment be considered?
Again, early in the design stage. Some equipment requires a specific room size, can be very heavy, and has specific assembly requirements. Power requirements and even have specific wall construction requirements, e.g., for Imaging rooms.
Q: What are some of the most common challenges you encounter during clinical fit-outs?
Generally, the number of wastewater positions needed, as most rooms have hand wash facilities. Most other problems are based around the coordination and installation of the numerous Mechanical and Electrical requirements that must be carefully designed around the existing physical site constraints.
Q: What can clients do before construction begins to help the project run smoothly?
Clients can talk to us early. I’m more than happy to visit a possible site and walk through the client’s plans and aspirations prior to them committing.
Q. What are the key considerations when setting up a new clinical fit-out?
The key things to consider are:
- Location – so that you are setting up in the correct catchment area for your practice.
- Free parking immediately outside your practice
- Preferably a large, unrestricted commercial area that can be broken up into multiple rooms so that you can design the layout of your practice exactly how you want it rather than squeeze it into the constraints of an existing building.
- Get it larger than needed; you will always find something to do with the space! Perhaps sublet it to someone with a complementary offering?
- Floor-to-structural ceilings above 3m high are preferable as this allows space for services to be accommodated above your ceilings.
- Plan for Building Regulation approval within your design.
- Obtain Fire Strategy reports early so their requirements can be incorporated into the design.
- Get energy assessments carried out early, again so they can be incorporated into the design.
- Have an Accessibility report carried out early to ensure you are fully compliant with Building Regulations and ensure you create a welcoming and accessible place of work for all.
Q: What is the one piece of advice you would give someone planning their first clinical fit-out?
Talk to me early about your project, before you find a site, before you talk to designers or commit to anything. I can help guide you with practical considerations, spot issues early, help design and draw up your plans, deal with Building Control and even give early budget guidance based on tried and tested square meter rates. This gives you peace of mind BEFORE you commit to anything, whether your project can progress.
Planning a clinical fit-out?
Every clinical environment has its own requirements, which is why early planning and collaboration are such an important part of the process.
At Tim Day Construction, we work with clients and their wider project teams to deliver specialist clinical and veterinary fit-outs, managing the construction process from the early stages through to completion.
If you are considering a new clinical space, speak to our team about your project.