Cleveland Clinic

The Cleveland Clinic, one of the world’s leading healthcare systems, has placed a strong emphasis on providing safe, accessible, and efficient healthcare environments for its patients, staff, and visitors. In collaboration with Design Confidence, a specialist engineering consultancy with expertise in fire and life safety and accessibility, the goal is to enhance the facility’s resilience to emergencies and ensure that all individuals, regardless of ability, can access healthcare services with ease.

Design Confidence, with its deep experience in the healthcare sector, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the safety and functionality of the clinic’s healthcare facilities. In terms of fire and life safety, they provide a comprehensive strategy that aligns with local and international standards, such as the NFPA and EN standards. This includes conducting fire risk assessments, developing fire modelling techniques, and designing optimal evacuation routes that consider the needs of both patients and staff.

Their expertise extends to ensuring robust fire suppression systems, smoke control measures, and evacuation plans that cater to high-risk areas, such as intensive care units or operating theaters. The team also ensures that fire alarm systems are appropriately tailored for the medical environment and can effectively function under emergency conditions.

Additionally, Design Confidence offers specialised accessibility consulting to ensure that Cleveland Clinic's facilities meet or exceed accessibility standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international requirements. They focus on creating environments that are inclusive for individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or have hearing impairments.

The consulting team conducts access audits to assess the current infrastructure and identify areas requiring improvement, from building entrances to patient rooms. They also work to implement accessible signage and intuitive navigation systems, making it easier for patients and visitors to navigate through complex hospital settings.

Design Confidence integrates fire safety and accessibility measures seamlessly into the clinic’s overall design, ensuring that evacuation plans are inclusive and safe for patients with mobility challenges or special medical needs. Their designs facilitate a smooth evacuation process, even in high-pressure situations, by considering the unique needs of hospitals—such as the presence of immobile patients, critical care areas, and specialised medical equipment.

Ultimately, the partnership between Cleveland Clinic and Design Confidence exemplifies a holistic approach to fire safety and accessibility in healthcare environments, ensuring that the clinic remains a safe, inclusive, and efficient space for all who enter.