Design Bugs Out

Patients expect hospitals to be clean and safe

Good design can help make that happen by developing furniture and equipment that’s easy to clean and easy to use. If hospital equipment and furniture is designed to be easy to clean and easy to use, it will stay cleaner — and therefore help reduce the risk of infection.

In 2009, four designers teamed up with British manufacturers to develop five new pieces of hospital furniture. By sharing research and expertise, each team designed a functional product that makes cleaning quicker and easier and eliminates dirt traps.

A team from the Royal College of Art also tackled six everyday items of hospital equipment that pose a hygiene risk on the ward because they frequently come into close contact with both staff and patients.

 

Commode by PearsonLloyd

About this project

Find out how the Design Council, working in partnership with the Department of Health, harnessed the creativity and ingenuity of UK designers and manufacturers.

Designer's sketch book

How can design help?

As well as making things that work well and look great, designers bring a highly creative approach to problem-solving that leads to practical, everyday solutions.

Bedside Cabinet by Kinneir Dufort

Furniture

Take a closer look at five prototype pieces of hospital furniture, designed to eliminate dirt traps making it quick and easy for healthcare staff to keep them clean.

Cannula Time Tracker by Royal College of Art Helen Hamlyn Centre

Equipment

A team from the Royal College of Art Helen Hamlyn Centre redesigned six everyday items of hospital equipment that pose a hygiene risk on the ward.

About HCAIs

Find out more about Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) such as MRSA and C. difficile.