Clinics

Clinical Storage Circulation Design for Clinics

Give people and equipment a route that remains usable during normal work, arrivals and cleaning.

Explore the ideas
Straight kitchen cabinets with a long counter and under-cabinet lighting
Service inspiration: keep task surfaces and storage easy to reach.

Plan in this order

  1. Map separately who enters, what they carry and where they turn or pause.
  2. Move stopping points out of through routes, especially beside doors and intersections.
  3. Put the largest regularly moved item on the plan and trace the full trip, including both ends.
Worked example

A family bathroom is shared in the morning, and one person needs the sink while another reaches the shower.

Arrange the basin access so it does not require crossing the shower’s wet area. Mock up door and towel positions and rehearse two people moving through the room.

How to test it

Run two movements at once during the test walk. Note which person must stop, reverse or step into another activity.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Group supplies by task near the rooms that use them, with replenishment stock in a separate cabinet zone.
Detail
Use labeled drawers and closed storage for items that should not be visible to waiting patients.
Trade-off
Centralized storage eases inventory but adds staff walking.
  • Retrieve a routine item from the work position
  • Check restock access does not disrupt a consultation
Kitchen with pale green base cabinets and a continuous tiled backsplash
Service inspiration: choose surfaces that can be wiped along work areas.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Parallel kitchen with teal cabinets and a continuous counter run
Service inspiration: organize equipment along opposing work runs.

Related design guides

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