Breast Care Centre — Ipswich Hospital

The Brief

The reprovision of breast services from across the hospital was to be moved to one dedicated facility bringing together clinics, treatment, diagnostics and imaging, administrative support, and consultation under one roof for all breast services. The project objective is to improve patient pathways and experience, another key driver was to increase staff efficiencies, the reprovision meant all new furniture was required for the centre. 

The Approach

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, the Trust which runs Ipswich and Colchester hospitals have previously worked with us on different projects. The Capital Projects team identified our products due to a few factors; the new furniture needed to aid infection control, and so the Arvada was chosen due to its metal legs and removable seat cushion for ease of cleaning. Patient comfort was paramount, the low armrests on Arvada helped avoid sensitive areas. And lastly, the flexibility of design, standard, height adjustable, and bariatric chairs are all available under the same aesthetic. 

The Outcome

The colours are inviting and less ​‘clinical’ than grey and white. Patients and visitors have commented on how comfy and secure the chairs are; if an extended wait is required for results Arvada offers high comfort levels to patients seated for longer periods of time. 

The flexibility of the seating in all areas is subtle but meets varying patient needs to ensure the unit is meeting EDI standards to the highest level. Infection control was happy to sign off Arvada due to its clean lines and ease of cleaning. The chairs are sturdy meaning they are better for less ambulant patients as they don’t move or slip around on the floor.

The colours have been noted frequently by staff and visitors – offering a softer, less clinical feel.