Wakefield NHS

Problem
When a pioneering new GP-led health centre was being developed in Wakefield, Corporate Facilities Manager Nick Kirk knew that clear signs were essential to direct patients to the right service. Not only that, they needed to be DDA compliant and reflect the new NHS rebrand. However, working round the clock to ensure that the building was ready for its imminent opening left Nick with little time to consider signage.

The new service, located just behind the Town Hall, housed multiple medical services under one roof providing year round, all inclusive medical care for the local community, whether registered patients or unregistered. With an anticipated traffic of 2.5 million people in Yorkshire and Humber, clear signage was essential.

The challenge
A floor space of 22,500 feet spread over four floors meant there was a lot of space to get lost in without clear signage. And SIGNARAMA Harrogate was only allocated nine days to fit the four floor building in between the 18th & 29th May and the official opening on the 1st June. Nick Kirk said: "NHS Wakefield District knew when developing the new walk-in medical centre that the building could meet most people's medical needs - but directing them to the right room, simply and clearly, was the challenge. After investigating various sign centres, we turned to SIGNARAMA as they understood our signage needs straight away. We were busy enough making sure the building would be ready for opening, and it was a relief to be able to hand SIGNARAMA the problem of how we signposted patients to the right place."

The solution
Getting involved at building stage was key to SIGNARAMA's success for Wakefield District NHS. To ensure he was fully aware of all the signage requirements, SIGNARAMA Harrogate owner Michael Webster visited Wakefield's walk-in medical centre whilst the walls were going up. This meant that Michael was aware of exactly what types of signs were required, and where. Getting involved whilst the building was within its development phase enabled Michael and his team to design bespoke signage solutions that were perfectly aligned to NHS Wakefield District's requirements.

SIGNARAMA designed, printed and installed external signage spotlighting the new medical walk-in centre - and signposted the entire interior, from reception to fire exits.

Michael Webster said: "The fact that Nick invited SIGNARAMA to view the bare bones of the building whilst it was being built allowed us to come up with the most creative and appropriate signage guaranteed to direct people to the right place. Medical centres can feel imposing if people aren't sure of where they're going - and our overall goal was to help the centre feel welcoming. We are thrilled with the results of what was a challenging project."

Nick said: "I always get exactly what I ask for with SIGNARAMA, and more. They are professional, knowledgeable, clear and concise and communicate excellently. Personally I would not turn to anyone else."

Posted Date: 01st Dec 2009