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30 Medical Construction & Design | NOV EMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | MCDM AG.COM instruments. Automated medication dispensing, as well as supply, linen and equipment management technologies, help to ensure the right product is available, administered properly, billed accurately and replenished; thus, waste is minimized. Door and elevator access technologies ensure appropriateness of and tracking of access to diff erent spaces, creating safe environments for patients and staff alike. Appropriate security systems must be in place to protect the pediatric population. Designing for safety and infection control Building design must take into consider- ation the importance of acoustics and in- door air quality. Noise is not only a source of patient/family dissatisfaction, it has the ability to disrupt recovery and im- pede communication. Sound-absorbing materials should be specifi ed, and proper location of mechanical components can minimize noise and vibration on patient units. Additionally, air quality and system design and maintenance should refl ect all code required and clinically based requirements of the patient population, such as infectious or protective isolation, asthma, allergies, etc. Hand-washing sinks and gel should be accessible upon entering the unit and each patient room. The design team should carefully evaluate the sink design, location and spray aeration and there should be separate sinks for hand- washing, equipment cleaning, etc. Easily accessible sinks can also be used as an educational tool between clinician, family members and even the patient's visiting siblings. Materials and design should be maintainable with joints and horizontal surfaces minimized. Finish products must be specifi ed in accordance with all codes and guidelines. Finish product cleaning and maintenance criteria should also be evaluated to specify materials that minimize the use of harsh chemicals and noise-generating maintenance equipment. Additionally, consider antimicrobial products, as well as sustainable, green or non-toxic materials, for their air-quality performance and appropriate room-cleaning technologies. Health systems must evaluate posi- tive distractions, such as sealed water features, aquariums and plantings based on the patient population. If deemed ap- propriate for the space, positive distrac- tions can be designed to minimize risk. It is important to work with the institution's infection control staff in evaluating such features. All of the identifi ed considerations contribute to the creation of a healing environment. One in which patient recovery is paramount, senses are engaged, patients and families are empowered and have control, positive distractions (art, views and outdoor access) are available for patients and families and there is social support with environmental stressors minimized for a safe and secure pediatric unit. The pediatric inpatient unit of the future must provide high-quality, high- tech care in an uplifting, inspirational and safe environment. The architectural and interior design infl uences the overall environment from a patient, family and clinician point of view. The patients and families benefi t from thoughtfully de- signed interior elements created for the specifi c pediatric population. Clinicians in these environments should have ap- propriate workspace for clinical care, charting and collaboration with indi- vidual spaces and team-centered spaces with design elements that benefi t all. Lisa Lipschutz, AIA, ACHA, EDAC, Lean Green Belt, is a principal and healthcare planner & architect at Array Architects. Editor's Note: This article expands on a blog series discussing top ways to create ideal pediatric healthcare spaces. Read more at http://blog. array-architects.com/kc/top-10-considerations- for-designing-a-pediatric-waiting-room. 4 Average amount of sources that fund population health initiatives according to recent survey respondents — childrenshospitals.org 2/3 Amount of recent Children's Hospital Association survey respondents that consider population health a top priority — childrenshospitals.org This comprehensive outpatient center is Nemours duPont's fi rst expansion into New Jersey and brings world-class pediatric expertise closer to the communities the Wilmington, Delaware inpatient campus serves. Nemours: Halkin | Mason Photography THE FUTURE ISSUE FOCUS