Cycling or walking to work has many health benefits, but it’s important to support healthcare staff with End of Trip facilities. Also known as EOT, these facilities may include showers, changing rooms, lockers, bike racks, shoe racks and umbrella stands. Healthcare design and fit-out company Evoke Projects explores the benefits of End of Trip facilities with examples and advice for your next medical fit-out.
Employee health and well-being
Healthcare staff are more likely to choose physically active commuting if EOT facilities allow them to freshen up before their workday. This has obvious physical health benefits, but it also supports mental health and work-life balance. Blending exercise into a daily routine is the best way to maintain good exercise habits. People feel good in themselves when they are achieving exercise and wellness goals. An End of Trip facilities healthcare fit-out will also be welcomed by lunchtime exercisers and shift-workers.
Better energy levels
Better physical and mental health improves cognitive function, energy levels and concentration. Even being able to freshen up after a long commute by public transport helps people feel better about their day ahead. This contributes to better patient care, making an EOT medical fit-out a worthwhile business investment.
Employer of choice vibes
A medical design with End of Trip facilities is more likely to attract and retain skilled healthcare workers. People working in healthcare are often mindful of personal fitness, so it stands to reason that being able to combine exercise with work will be very attractive for them. This is particularly the case with shift work, when getting to the gym is more challenging.
Sustainability
Encouraging workers to use public transport, cycle or walk to work means fewer cars on the road. This is great news for the environment and reduces traffic and parking congestion for those who have no choice but to drive. Parking is often at a premium (and expensive) around hospitals and medical precincts, so staff have additional incentives to walk, cycle or use public transport.
Compliance with development codes
Most Australian states and territories have guidelines around End of Trip facility fit-outs or commercial refurbishments. Some states have mandatory codes, e.g., Queensland Development Code, ACT End of Trip Facilities General Code in the Territory Plan. The Green Building Council Australia awards credits for initiatives that reduce dependency on cars.
These links highlight the benefits of EOT in medical settings.
• Logan Hospital, Queensland – https://metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/news/new-end-of-trip-facilities-giving-staff-a-healthy-car-free-travel-alternative
• Randwick Hospitals Campus, NSW – https://randwickcampusredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au/WWW_Randwick/media/Fact-Sheets/Fact-sheet-End-of-Trip-Facility-Nov-2021.pdf
• Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA – https://www.yourmove.org.au/south-metropolitan-health-service/end-of-trip-facilities-help-cyclist-at-fiona-stanley-hospital-fsh/
• Perth Children’s Hospital, WA – https://www.cora.com.au/blog/bike-parking-for-perth-childrens-hospital-project/
• The Alfred Hospital, Victoria – https://www.health.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/high-quality-end-of-trip-facilities-at-the-alfred-case-study-4-4.docx
The medical design team at Evoke Projects have these insider tips for the EOT fit-out:
• Changing rooms – make them comfortable, stylish and relaxing. Add a sofa to sit on while changing footwear or chatting to a colleague. Hairdryers, hair straighteners, iron, ironing board and toiletries will be welcomed. Include multiple mirrors, ideally with different light aspects for the application of cosmetics. Add a clothesline or somewhere to air/store damp clothing during the workday.
• Lockers – install different sizes to cater for different needs. Have a mix of lockable cabinets and cubby hole lockers.
• Showers – include shelves that will stay dry so that people can take personal belongings, a towel or clothing into the shower. Provide shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and towels if possible.
• Bicycle facilities – as well as bike racks or storage rooms, bicycle accessories such as pumps and puncture repair kits will keep cyclists on the road. Power for charging electric bikes should be located within the storage area. Ensure security is tight around the bike racks, ideally with CCTV.
• Nourishment – add a vending machine containing healthy snacks and a drinking water station.
• Lighting and ventilation – safety is paramount; adequate lighting and airflow will reduce the risk of slips and trips.
•Accessibility – ensure End of Trip facilities are accessible for all workers, e.g., ramps, wheelchair and ambulant toilets and showers.
Making the best use of space is important when designing End of Trip facilities. Choose fittings, materials and finishes that complement your medical fit-out objectives for good aesthetic integration. Please call the healthcare design team on 1300 720 692 at Evoke Projects to find out more.
