Hospital rooms are designed to be comfortable for patients and their families, but they also need to be functional and safe. The space should be large enough to accommodate the patient and provide plenty of room for medical equipment, supplies and furnishings. It should be centrally heated and cooled, with a privacy curtain that can be used for guests who need to come into the room. Each room should have a bed and a bedside table, plus seating for visitors. The table is usually equipped with a TV and a call button that rings at the nurses’ station.
The patient’s primary caregiver will often be the first person to greet them when they arrive at their hospital room. They will ask questions and take important medical information, such as their name, date of birth and insurance details. They will then get the patient settled into the room and explain how it works. The nurse will also take the patient’s vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure and heart rate.
Most hospital rooms are private, but some are shared. This depends on the size of the room and the type of care that is required. Private rooms are more expensive than those that are shared. Many people are able to have their own room by paying for an upgrade, or if they are insured the hospital will cover the cost.
A typical hospital room is outfitted with a bed, a TV and a desk or dresser for storage. The bed is either a manual or an electric one. Manual beds are operated by hand, while electric ones are controlled with a remote. There are also special beds, called bariatric beds, that can support greater weights.
Some hospital rooms are outfitted with a bathroom within the room, while others have an adjoining bath or shower area. The bathroom may also be equipped with a toilet and sink. The bathroom should be well-lit with indirect lighting and a nonslip floor.
Hospital rooms should be well-lit with indirect lighting to reduce the risk of eye strain and create a relaxing environment for patients. Indirect lighting is better for patient comfort than direct light because it visually enlarges the room and promotes relaxation. In addition, it is more soothing for the eyes than bright white light.
The patient’s room should have a telephone, a private bathroom and a bedside table for personal items. There should also be a chair, preferably a recliner, and a television. The TV should be on a closed circuit channel that is free of charge to the patient. Some hospitals also offer a pay-per-view service, which is an extra cost to the patient.
A white communication board can be found in each room and will contain the names of the staff members who will work with the patient on each shift, as well as a list of goals for the day. It should also note any appointments or procedures scheduled. Some hospitals also offer a continuous ambient relaxation environment, which is a series of peaceful video scenes with relaxing music.