Take a stroll through the Kaiser Permanente Pasadena Medical Building in California or the Hygeia Gynecology office of Dr. Jennifer Ashton in Englewood, NJ, and you'll experience a trend that is growing in the medical community -- environmentally friendly medical practices.Understanding the importance of green living to many of their patients, doctors and medical complexes are beginning to renovate their properties to incorporate more eco-friendly components.
So how does a doctor's office go green? Much in the same way a residence or other type of business would go green. Many of the same materials that are used in private residences can be integrated into medical spaces. For example, in Dr. Ashton's New Jersey office almost 100 percent of everything in the office is green and non-toxic, according to her Web site www.drjenniferashton.com. The washable flooring in exam rooms is the highly eco-friendly Marmoleum, while bathroom materials are all recycled glass tiles with cork flooring. Medical supplies are stored in recycled Formica cabinetry. Most furniture is constructed from sustainable or creatively reconstructed substances.
Other changes that are cropping up are the use of skylights to let in natural sunlight, as well as swapping out energy-hogging light bulbs for more eco-friendly ones. Some practices are even going paperless, relying on electronic patients' recordkeeping and other electronic devices to keep a control on paper clutter and waste.
These changes are not only good for the environment, they're good for the patients as well. Healthier, non-toxic cleaning supplies and low-VOC paints create a better environment for patients. Aesthetically pleasing renovations can also boost the mood, which is a benefit to patients who are already feeling anxiety or are under the weather.
CAPTION: Paperless patient records are one green option.
Keywords:
medical office green living paperless eco-friendly
Share on: facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment