1. IMPACT OF INCREASING POPULATION
ON MAIN ROAD
LOCATIONS
EXPLANATION
Australia’s population growth, driven by migration and natural increase, has led to increased traffic congestion and higher demand for commercial spaces on main roads. For medical professionals, this growth can present both opportunities and challenges. Main roads, being high-visibility areas, offer greater exposure and potentially higher patient traffic. However, they are also becoming more congested and less accessible due to increased vehicular flow.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
TRAFFIC CONGESTION
High traffic volumes can make it difficult for patients to reach your premises, potentially leading to delays or frustration.
PARKING AVAILABILITY
With the rise in population, finding parking can become a significant challenge. Adequate parking is crucial for patient convenience and compliance with accessibility requirements.
SAFETY CONCERNS
Main roads can be hazardous, especially for elderly or disabled patients. Ensuring that your premises have safe and easy access is essential.
2. ESG CONSIDERATIONS FOR MEDICAL PREMISES
EXPLANATION
ESG considerations focus on the environmental, social, and governance aspects of property use and management. For medical professionals, integrating ESG principles into the selection and design of new premises can enhance patient experience and align with broader societal values.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Opting for properties with sustainable features, such as energy-efficient systems and waste reduction practices, can reduce your practice’s carbon footprint.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Choosing locations that contribute positively to the community and provide equitable access to healthcare can bolster your practice’s reputation and patient trust.
3. DDA COMPLIANCE AND ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
EXPLANATION
GOVERNANCE AND COMPLIANCE
Ensuring that your property complies with relevant regulations and standards, including those related to sustainability and ethical management, is vital.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) mandates that public spaces, including medical facilities, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Compliance with DDA is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation to ensure equitable access to healthcare services.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY
Ensure that the premises have features such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms to accommodate patients with mobility challenges.
SIGNAGE AND NAVIGATION
Clear, visible signage and wayfinding systems can assist patients with visual impairments in navigating the premises.
INCLUSIVE DESIGN
Incorporate universal design principles that cater to a wide range of disabilities, enhancing the overall patient experience.
4. OPTIMAL LOCATION FOR PATIENT EXPERIENCE
EXPLANATION
While main road locations offer high visibility, they may not always provide the best patient experience due to factors such as noise, pollution, and accessibility issues. Finding a balance between visibility and patient comfort is crucial.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
NOISE LEVELS
Main roads can be noisy, which might affect the comfort and privacy of patients. Consider soundproofing measures or locating your premises in quieter, nearby areas.
POLLUTION
High-traffic areas may have higher levels of air and noise pollution. Evaluate the potential impact on patient health and comfort.
CONVENIENCE
Proximity to public transport and other amenities can enhance patient access and satisfaction. Consider locations that offer a balance between visibility and convenience.
5. LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY AND LEASE CONSIDERATIONS
EXPLANATION:
When relocating, consider the long-term sustainability of the property and lease terms to ensure stability and growth potential for your medical practice.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
LEASE TERMS
Negotiate favorable lease terms that provide flexibility for future expansion or modifications as your practice grows.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Assess the long-term maintenance needs of the property to avoid unexpected costs and ensure it remains compliant with ESG and DDA standards.
FUTURE PROOFING
Consider the potential for future developments in the area that could impact your practice, such as new infrastructure or changes in zoning regulations.
6. CUSTOMERS CAN FIND YOU, ITS 2024!
In the past, the medical industry heavily relied on prime locations on main roads to attract patients. Positioned along these busy thoroughfares, medical offices and clinics were strategically placed where high traffic meant high visibility. The idea was simple: the more people who passed by, the more likely they were to notice the practice and consider its services.
However, with the advent of the internet and the explosion of social media, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, potential patients find medical services with unprecedented ease and convenience. Search engines, online reviews, and social media platforms have become the primary tools for locating healthcare providers. People can now research, compare, and choose medical professionals from the comfort of their homes, and at any time of day or night.
This shift in how people access information has significant implications for the traditional emphasis on physical location. While being on a main road once conferred a distinct advantage, it now comes with increased risks, especially in busy urban areas. Traffic congestion, noise pollution, and higher accident rates are some of the drawbacks of such locations. These factors not only pose risks to patient safety but also create potential operational challenges for medical practices.
On the other hand, the benefits of being visible online far outweigh the traditional advantages of a main road location. A well-designed website, strong social media presence, and positive online reviews can enhance a medical practice’s visibility far beyond the reach of physical signage. This digital exposure allows practices to attract and engage with potential patients in a more controlled and less hazardous environment.
Given these considerations, the decision to move away from a main road location becomes increasingly compelling. The modern approach to patient acquisition and engagement focuses on digital presence rather than physical visibility. For medical practices, relocating to a quieter, less congested area can reduce risks associated with high-traffic locations, while still maintaining, or even improving, their ability to attract new patients through enhanced online visibility.
In conclusion, the evolution of patient outreach from physical to digital platforms means that the traditional reliance on main road locations is no longer necessary or beneficial. For medical businesses, the strategic move to less trafficked areas, combined with a robust online presence, represents a more practical and safer approach to meeting the needs of today’s patients.
CONCLUSION
In summary, when moving medical premises, it is essential to evaluate the impact of increasing population on main road locations, integrate ESG and DDA considerations, and focus on optimizing the patient experience. Balancing visibility with accessibility and long-term sustainability will ensure that your new premises align with both patient needs and regulatory requirements, ultimately contributing to the success and growth of your medical practice.
CONTACT US
For tailored advice and assistance in finding and securing the ideal medical premises, contact Your Medical Property, specialists in commercial property leasing for the medical sector in Australia.
