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HEALTHCARE REAL ESTATE, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN & FACILITY PLANNING

It’s Not Your Grandfather’s Sign

BY BARBARA R. FALLON of entry, readability, branding, high flexi-
bility and low maintenance, aesthetics or “We count on our
For those of us who consider ourselves compliance with environmental, local and decades of experience
navigationally challenged, directional ADA accessibility guidelines, and even
signs are obviously a reassuring wayfind- lifesaving guidance. and best practice along
ing assist to reach a destination on time In terms of patient satisfaction, a sign’s with a finger on the
minus the anxiety of feeling lost. However, value may be judged by smiles and frowns,
add to that an eyesight handicap or wheel- or by the patients’ readiness for care. pulse of innovation to
chair-bound height or distracted thoughts People trying to find a department without help our customers
of impending medical procedures and good signage may interrupt and comman- address signage
then signs become a crucial lifeline. That’s deer several staff away from their tasks to
a common scenario when you are travers- help them find the right path. Even worse, challenges and plan
ing hospital corridors which can be intim- the patient may arrive at the destination their budgets wisely.”
idating for visitors and patients, adding to late and misplace his frustration toward
an already stressful situation. staff because of a wrong turn. -Sandra Foland
For more than 35 years, Baron Sign Baron Sign CEO Sandra Foland explains Sandra Foland
Manufacturing has ushered hospitals that patient attitudes can be directly influ-
through a turn key design, fabrication and enced by more than wayfinding benefits. symbols can also enhance understanding Center when a new tower was added
installation process for custom interior, Sometimes, the goal is to have the reader in multicultural communities. emergency flight traffic was re-routed. The
exterior and wayfinding signage. From feel like … I’m here and I’m comfortable. Hospital signage often reflects model signs needed to redirect incoming emer-
budget and planning through engineering, “At the University of Miami Hospital, environments that encourage health pro- gency flight professionals to a new route
installation and evaluation, Baron’s experts the role of Baron signage in a children’s moting behaviors among employees, and entrance and also connect with exist-
collaborate with the hospital team on a waiting room was more than just direc- patients and visitors such as healthy food ing facility services.
signage plan to support an environment of tional but also a welcoming graphic dis- choices or physical or spiritual activity. Foland emphasizes that the secret to a
caring and concern. play to help calm and reassure kids and Using photos, graphics and symbols to good sign is advanced planning. Whether
their parents as they prepared for proce- help communicate a range of positive it is signage for a new building or a retro-
The Measurement dures,” she said. Color coded signage, steps toward healthy living; hospitals, clin- fit, Baron Sign insists on walking through
of a Good Sign translated from medical terminology to ics and physician offices have considerable the purpose and impact of signage with
A sign’s worth may be measured in user friendly language and recognizable potential to influence mental and physical architects, builders, facility directors, clin-
patient satisfaction, staff productivity, ease health-promoting behaviors among their ical and promotional staff and consumer
employees, patients, visitors, and residents representatives at the table to determine
of surrounding communities. accurate communications, image, colors,
For example, Baron Sign incorporated
Making an Important Difference - an LED lighted color palette that would materials, efficiency and quality.
Additionally, a commitment to future gen-
allow a hospital client to not only endorse erations is visible through use of durable,
Air Duct Aseptics their brand colors 24/7 but also to GO sustainable, low maintenance material
PINK for breast health awareness and dis- which is eco-friendly and weather resist-
play other colors for advocacy and recog- ant.
Smells in buildings The Environmental nition programs in support of community “We count on our decades of experience
(and homes) can be Protection Agency campaigns with a full spectrum of colors. and best practice along with a finger on
pervasive, unpleasant, (EPA) states if levels of The reach of hospitals is substantial. Every the pulse of innovation to help our cus-
unhealthy, and some- hazardous pollutants year, hospitals across the United States tomers address signage challenges and
times difficult to elimi- indoors have been serve millions of employees and patients plan their budgets wisely. Together we cus-
nate. The culprit can be found to be up to 70 who may use clinical services, wellness tomize a complete roadmap that incorpo-
dirty ducts, leaky ducts, times more hazardous programs or even cafeterias and vending rates the science and art of signage plan-
or both! In any case, than outdoor air and if machines. ning, Foland concluded.
the link between poor mold is found in a In some cases, safety concerns are sig-
ventilation and poor conditioning system naled because without proper signage For more information, email
indoor air quality has the unit should be guides there could be life threatening con- sandie@baronsign.com or
been well established. tuned off. sequences. For example, at Delray Medical call (561) 721-0691.
Almost all ductwork An ounce of preven-
leaks, and depending BY MICHAEL TEBOR, tion is worth a pound
on the leakage loca- ASCS, CIEC, CMRC of cure. When you
tions, this leakage is need a professional to
one of the major causes of dirty duct- solve your indoor air quality needs,
work, condensation and subsequent ADA is the company to call. Since
mold growth. Additionally these 1990 ADA Aseptics has performed
leaks draw in dirty attic, basement more than 45,000 commercial and
and non-filtered wall cavity air into residential projects throughout
our breathing zone every time our Florida. And as certified members of
HVAC unit operates. These same the National Air Duct Cleaners
leaks are costing thousands of dollars Association and a Class A State
of wasted electricity, causing comfort licensed AC contractor, ADA has the
problems, and reducing the AC experience and knowledge needed to
equipment capacity and performance. improve your facility’s indoor air
Indoor Air Quality is a growing quality. Contact ADA today for your
concern in every medical facility and complimentary facility HVAC duct
home today. Exposure to mold may inspection and to speak with one of
result in cold like symptoms, nasal our licensed mold assessors or certi-
and sinus congestion, respiratory fied indoor environmentalists.
problems, coughing, sore throat,
watery eyes, skin irritations, and is a For more information, contact
major trigger of asthma attacks. If ADA Aseptics at (888) 707-7763 or
high mold levels are present in a visit www.adaflorida.com.
building, it is considered hazardous.

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