Since many areas like mountains and forests aren’t the most ideal places to build conventional hospitals, a shipping container clinic may pose a solution to that problem. According to medical needs, a shipping container can also be built as a laboratory, inpatient room, shipping container clinic, emergency unit, and many more.
A shipping container clinic is easy to move from one location to another, making it a great solution in times of crisis like natural disasters. It can be transported by truck, rail, ship, or nearly any other method you can think of to get an object from one place to another.
It is also easy to build and does not take a long time to prepare. This type of container is durable which makes it weathertight, vermin-proof, and earthquake-proof. Interested to know more about the shipping container clinic? Find out in this article!
Benefits of Shipping Container Clinic
There are several benefits that you can get from having a shipping container clinic, such as:
Location Flexibility
Container clinics can be easily moved to various locations as needed. This allows healthcare services to reach people in remote areas, disaster areas, project areas or other hard-to-reach places.
Cost Efficient
Using used containers as the basis for building a clinic significantly reduces construction costs. This helps in minimizing construction costs and allows healthcare providers to focus on providing quality healthcare services.
Fast Construction Time
The process of converting a container into a clinic is generally faster than building a traditional hospital. This allows healthcare services to be realized immediately to meet urgent needs.
Easy to Expand
Container clinics can be easily expanded or reduced according to the growth or changing needs of the community. This provides flexibility that is difficult to achieve with conventional healthcare buildings.
Offers Better Access to Healthcare
Medical containers provide better access to healthcare for people who were previously difficult to reach by conventional healthcare facilities. This can help in disease prevention and early detection of medical conditions.
Empowerment of Local Communities
Local communities become more protected from the health aspect, thus creating a sense of ownership and responsibility for public health.
Rapid Response in Disasters
Medical containers can be used as emergency healthcare centers in disaster situations. Their ability to be quickly moved and deployed makes them an effective solution in providing urgent health care.
Inspiration for Health Facilities
The success of container clinics can be an inspiration for the development of similar healthcare models in various regions. This can pave the way for innovation in providing better and more affordable health care.
Shipping Container Clinic Design
A shipping clinic container should prioritize the comfort and welfare of the staff and patients. To run a smooth operation, you may need to follow this clinic design tips:
- Proper airflow to remove airborne contaminants, control humidity levels, and prevent the buildup of odors.
- Insulation for regulating temperature and creating a comfortable interior in extreme weather or harsh climates.
- Exposure to natural light, which has been linked to improved mood and patient outcomes.
- Accessibility for patients with mobility challenges, including wider doorways, ramps, and accessible washroom facilities.
Shipping Container Clinic Features
There are many necessities that you need to have in turning a shipping container into a clinic that is useful for many people. These are a few general types of features and modifications you need to have at the clinic
Climate Control
Install the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system to achieve climate control inside the shipping container clinic. The HVAC system includes proper insulation, ventilation openings, and a split-system air conditioner or a rooftop unit. Install the HVAC system with the help of a qualified technician to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. You need to do regular maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently and prevents potential issues.
Air Quality
Keep the interior air quality at a high standard through filtration and other means. It is needed as the human body is more prone to infection when exposed to ‘dirty’ air, especially during surgery or treatment of wounds.
Storage
The container clinic needs storage to store medical supplies, examination tables and chairs, patient records, personal protective equipment (PPE), medications, and other essential medical items. You can also put cabinets, shelves, and drawers to fit the container’s space and specific medical needs.
Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring can provide power for lighting, climate control equipment, and medical tools.
Plumbing
You use plumbing at the clinic to remove wastewater, including sewage, through a system of pipes and fixtures. These are essential for daily tasks at the clinic like washing medical tools, washing hands, autoclaves for equipment sterilization, etc.
Security
Security at a shipping container clinic typically is really important. It includes robust locking mechanisms on the doors, security cameras, well-lit placement to deter vandalism, and incorporates alarm systems to alert authorities in case of a breach. All of them can protect valuable medical equipment and patient privacy within the clinic space.
Conclusion
Converting shipping containers into mobile clinics offers numerous advantages such as being more flexible, affordable, and durable. Other than clinics, shipping containers have also been used for other types of buildings such as houses, hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc due to the benefits it gives.
If you are looking to buy used shipping containers for sale, you can buy them from Tradecorp, a dealer with years of experience. At Tradecorp, you can buy or rent a wide range of quality used sea containers according to your needs and requirements by filling out this quote form!