Putting hygiene first: Washroom design essentials for healthcare facilities

In healthcare facilities, hygiene is not just a priority but a fundamental responsibility.

Typically, surgical theatres and patient rooms will receive the most attention, but washroom facilities play a critical role in maintaining hygiene standards and safeguarding the health of patients and their visitors.

The key challenge is that poorly designed or inadequately maintained washrooms can quickly accumulate germs and bacteria, becoming hotspots for harmful pathogens.

That is why effective washroom design is not merely about convenience or aesthetics, it’s about patient and staff safety - and this must be taken seriously. With that in mind, here’s how to ensure you’re ticking all the right boxes with your healthcare washrooms (and how to make a change if you’re not).

Place hand hygiene at the forefront

You’ll probably remember the huge wave of information, posters and guidance on hand washing that circulated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because handwashing is at the forefront of hygiene and is universally recognised as the most effective measure against infection transmission.

That is why your healthcare washroom design must put hand hygiene at the centre. This should include adequate and well-maintained sinks, soap dispensers and hand dryers (or paper towels if you prefer).

Make sure there are enough wash stations for patients, guests and staff and that these are accessible, whether in shared spaces or in private patient rooms.  

Sensor taps and soap dispensers, along with automatic hand dryers, are the best way to reduce touchpoints and stop the spread of germs.

That said, research suggests that some hand dryers may actually disperse microbes more widely than paper towels. As a result, some healthcare settings still prioritise paper towel dispensers in clinical areas. So this is something you should consider thoroughly when designing your healthcare washrooms and look for sensor-based dispensers to achieve the same results.

Ensure effective ventilation and odour control

Airborne pathogens pose a big risk in healthcare settings, which is why ventilation systems must be designed to provide adequate air flow and to expel humidity, replacing contaminated air with clean, filtered air.

Effective ventilation systems can help to stop airborne microbes from transmitting from patient or shared bathrooms, into wider patient care areas and wards.

Not only that, but odour control should not be overlooked. Nobody wants humidity or unpleasant smells hanging around, especially amongst those who are already suffering.

Fresh, well-ventilated washrooms reassure patients and their visitors that hygiene standards are high and foster confidence in the overall quality of care in your healthcare facility.

Stop the spread with the right fixtures and surfaces

Reducing the risk of germs building and subsequently spreading is much easier if you choose the most effective surfaces and fixtures.

All surfaces, fixtures and fittings should be selected with hygiene in mind, choosing durable, seamless and non-porous materials. For example, solid grade laminate (SGL) surfaces, stainless steel taps and wall mounted toilets.

Not only can these features be very stylish, but they can also reduce corners or gaps where dirt and germs can build up. Seamless, non-porous materials are also easier to clean, with less chance of absorbing moisture and harmful bacteria.

Plus, minimal joints prevent dirt and bacteria from accumulating in hard-to-reach areas. After all, you want your healthcare bathrooms to be easy to clean, whilst always ensuring the most effective and hygienic finish.

And again, choosing automatic flush systems, sensor-operated taps, touchless soap dispensers and motion-sensor lighting will limit the number of surfaces a user must touch. This further minimises contact with shared surfaces and reduces opportunities for cross-contamination.

Ensure adequate and separate spaces

Depending on the size of your healthcare facility, you may be limited by space. However, where possible, it’s best to ensure separate spaces for patients, guests and staff. This can help to stop cross-contamination and the spread of germs.

Locate your staff washrooms strategically so that medical teams can maintain hand hygiene protocols without interfering with patient flow. Similarly, visitor washrooms should be kept distinct from those used by sick patients, usually closer to entrances and exits, so they do not have to travel far around the facilities.

It’s also vital that you have more than enough toilet cubicles, sinks, urinals, etc. to facilitate the number of users passing through on a daily basis.

Lastly, you might wish to create family washrooms or unisex accessible spaces to ensure that your healthcare facility is flexible and inclusive for all users, no matter who they are.

Create a positive experience for all users

While clinical functionality and hygiene is paramount, it’s important that you don’t neglect user comfort and well-being.

Natural or calming lighting, neutral colour schemes and privacy-conscious layouts such as full-length (or private) cubicles can all contribute to a more dignified experience for patients and visitors.

In environments where individuals may already be feeling very vulnerable, a well-designed washroom can provide them with reassurance and comfort, as well as a place to grab a moment of peace.

In summary

In healthcare facilities, washrooms are not simply utilities; they are frontline spaces in the fight against illness and the spread of germs.

It’s all about balancing hygiene, accessibility, durability and user experience within your washroom design. In doing so, you can create safe, comfortable bathrooms that protect patients, staff and visitors.

If it’s time you invested in more thoughtful washroom design for your healthcare facilities, we can help. Get in touch with our expert team today to find out how we can start the design process right away.