Hospital designs put to public vote

The Government's design watchdog this week asked the public for help in designing better hospitals in a bid to boost the health and well-being of patients. To coincide with the announcement of the next wave of PFI-funded hospitals, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe) has asked for people to vote on designs for future hospitals from four design teams: FAT with Demos, Jane Darbyshire & David Kendall Ltd (see visualisation, above), McDowell & Benedetti, and Muf Architecture/Art with Rosetta Life. Research published by Cabe this week reveals that 87 per cent of nurses believe that hospital design has a direct impact on the recovery rate of patients, the availability of beds and staff morale. To vote, visit www.healthyhospitals.org.uk.