Altro Whiterock Digiclad wall cladding has been installed in the outpatient department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital to improve signage and create an attractive, therapeutic and healing patient environment.
The facility comprises two clinics, divided into ‘green’ and ‘blue’ areas. Previously, signage for these areas was confusing, unattractive and very expensive to produce. The hospital needed to find an alternative hygienic, hard-wearing solution that would brighten up the environment and provide clear direction for patients.
Duncan Clift, the hospital’s estates project manager, said: “Wayfinding was a big issue in the outpatient department, with people often getting lost. Staff and patients were finding it very frustrating. In addition, the colour scheme was an uninspiring mix of magnolia and white, which wasn’t helping with either staff or patient wellbeing.
“I approached Ian Williams from Ace Flooring, who I have worked with many times before, and asked if he could find a solution. He came to see me with Altro and together they showed that Altro Whiterock Digiclad could provide clear, colourful signage and allow us to create an attractive environment at the same time. We were very impressed by a project Altro did at Salisbury Hospital, which has proven very successful.”
Altro Whiterock Digiclad offers the option of digitally-printed design on wall surfaces, creating impactful and creative graphics. This is achieved by reproducing a photographic image or vector art over a whole wall. Using 2.5mm thick Altro Whiterock as its medium, the hard-coat technology of Altro Whiterock Digiclad has scratch-resistant properties for added surface protection. This makes it ideal for environments where durability is paramount.
Williams said: “There were two elements to this project; the signage itself and also areas of wall art for the waiting areas, which had local Cornish themes. These were tailored to each coloured zone. For example in the green area we produced an entire wall of Altro Digiclad with a picture of the gardens at Tresco Abbey, on the Isles of Scilly. And the blue area has an image of Port Isaac Harbour. Each of these images is made of six sheets of Digiclad.
“For the signage, we printed 10ins wide strips of Digiclad, half blue and half green, and attached them at waist height around the walls in strips to guide people around the department. In total we installed about 150 linear metres and it took us four Saturdays to complete.
Clift added: “We are more than delighted with the results on every level. Feedback from staff and patients has been excellent. Everyone has commented that the area is a brighter, more cheerful place to be and it’s much easier to navigate their way around. Staff and patient wellbeing is paramount for us, so this is a huge success.”
