Design-led choice is a growing feature

Alongside key elements such as lighting, interior décor, artwork, and good air quality, the quality of furniture in a healthcare setting plays a key role in creating a comfortable, fit-for-purpose, and therapeutic environment for patients, and a good staff working environment. Specifiers of healthcare furniture must, however, balance the need for comfort, aesthetics, and an appropriate 'style', with practical factors such as ease-of-cleaning, durability, robustness, load-bearing capacity, and, where patients are at risk of self-harm, an anti-ligature design. HEJ asked Alan Towns, managing director of Knightsbridge Furniture, for his views on some of the key aspects of furniture selection and specification for healthcare facilities.