Comfortable Seating: Provide spacious, comfortable seating that can accommodate multiple family
members and allow them to be close together.
Entertainment Options: Include books, magazines, charging stations, and toys or tablets for
children. Consider a family-friendly TV area with content for all ages.
Separate Child-Friendly Spaces: If possible, offer a designated area within the waiting room for
children, equipped with kid-safe furniture, toys, and engaging wall art or activity stations to help
kids stay occupied.
Extended Visiting Hours: Allow flexible or extended visiting hours, especially for pediatric,
maternity, and intensive care units, to help families spend more time with their loved ones.
Family Accommodations: In cases where a family member needs to stay overnight, offer recliners,
sleeping chairs, or nearby family rooms for comfort. Consider providing cots or blankets if space
allows.
Social Work and Counseling: Provide access to social workers, counselors, or support groups to help
families cope with stress, anxiety, and difficult decisions.
Patient and Family Liaisons: Assign family liaisons or patient advocates who can help families
navigate the hospital system, understand medical information, and coordinate with staff on their
needs.
DEducational Materials: Ofer brochures, videos, or digital resources to educate families about the
patient's condition, hospital procedures, and ways they can support their loved one's recovery.
Guided Hospital Tours: Especially in maternity or pediatric departments, offer guided tours so
families know what to expect and can feel more comfortable.
Pediatric-Specific Design: For children's hospitals or departments, design spaces with bright colors,
fun murals, and familiar characters to create a calming, welcoming environment for kids.
Interactive Waiting Rooms: Some hospitals add interactive elements, like touch screens or wall
games, in pediatric waiting rooms to reduce anxiety and keep children engaged.