How Storage Factors in Healthcare Design and Staff Wellness

Proper medical supply storage is vital to optimizing workflows and creating operational efficiencies, both of which promote patient health. Because space in the healthcare industry is expensive to design, build, and occupy, it is critical to optimize hospitals, clinics, and other facilities with storage solutions that save space, improve patient care, and control costs.

Spacesaver Corporation offers a range of medical storage solutions from High-Density Mobile Storage systems to modular bin storage, stainless steel shelving to records storage, healthcare lockers to pharmacy shelving, and climate-controlled storage to medical carts. 

These solutions all play a role in healthcare facilities’ mission to help teams work efficiently and effectively while keeping patients front and center.

Utilizing proper storage systems in design plans allow healthcare facilities to secure sterile items in locations where staff can quickly locate and access them, promote sustainability, support employee wellness, and more. 
 
Sterile Storage Solutions for the Medical Field

Spacesaver’s High-Density Mobile Storage Solutions are popular in hospitals and clinics, where storage space is at a premium and where supplies must be kept clean and organized to promote patient health.

For example, when a hospital renovated their clean core area, administrators partnered with Spacesaver to plan a sterile space that could use their existing plastic bins, protect stored items from dust and other contaminants, optimize available lighting and square footage, and keep stored items organized and accessible.

Our experts designed a High-Density Mobile System with Mechanical Assist handles and cantilever frames fitted with Spacesaver’s EZ Rail^® Element to provide a sturdy framework on which to hang the bins. Complete with clear acrylic end panels, canopy tops, and integrated lighting, stored items could be protected from dust and contaminants while clear visibility into the system was maintained – providing security and accessibility simultaneously. 
 
Pharma Storage Solutions

Space is always at a premium in hospitals, and regulations for hazardous drug storage have created an even greater space crunch in hospitals’ inpatient pharmacies. These pharmacies are usually “landlocked” inside hospitals with no room to expand.

Although every pharmacy is different, Spacesaver products allow hazardous drugs to be stored efficiently and securely in newly constructed rooms that must be in compliance with USP 800 regulations, and they also help recover space that was lost elsewhere in the pharmacies when these rooms were constructed. As inpatient pharmacies remodel to comply with new hazardous drug storage regulations, Spacesaver’s high-density storage systems help optimize space while still keeping medications and supplies organized and secure.

Spacesaver systems are ideally suited to pharmacies’ needs for efficiency, organization, and security. The systems can be installed on top of existing floors and can optimize space horizontally and vertically in small spaces or large rooms. To help protect fragile glass bottles and vials, powered systems have a soft-start and soft-stop feature. This can be combined with shelf dividers, bins and bin fronts, and anti-tip rail for even more shock protection. Systems can also be locked to prevent unauthorized access.

Supporting Medical Personnel

Doctors, nurses, and other professionals on staff are key to the success of a healthcare facility. But for these dedicate people to provide the best care for patients, it is important to provide staff with soothing spaces to rest and recharge. Staff can focus better on their work if they know their personal belongings are secure.

Spacesaver’s FreeStyle Personal Storage Lockers provide a variety of options to ensure comfort and convenience. These lockers are durable and can be configured with many features including electric plug-ins and USB charging ports and proper ventilation via HVAC connections and perforated doors, and more.

Additionally, at a time when recruitment is difficult, a modern locker room demonstrates that your organization values staff wellness and their work. 
 
Sustainable Storage Solution Designs

Whether seeking LEED certification, integrating biophilic designs, or pursuing other  sustainable goals, utilizing storage solutions that optimize available space offer tremendous advantages.

At Spacesaver, designing products for sustainability is a critical component of our environmental initiative. Containing an average of 25-percent recycled steel, Spacesaver storage systems are built for the long-term with reconfigurable shelves.

By allowing a dramatic increase – as much as 50 to 100 percent – in on-site storage over conventional, stationary methods, High-Density Mobile Storage systems help reduce building size, minimize site disturbance, and preserve open space. Additionally, aisle-lighting options may further contribute to energy savings when compared to standard overhead lighting. 
 
Designing Storage for Patient and Staff Wellness

Spacesaver’s storage planning professionals can support your vision for a healthcare facility designed to save space, controls costs, and, most importantly, support better patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.

Our network of locally-based partners can expertly assist your next healthcare storage project to ensure the items remain secure, easy to locate, and accessible while promoting both sustainability and overall wellness.