Types of Hospital Signage: A Complete Breakdown

In Australia, 8.8 million people visited hospital emergency departments in 2023-24. This is 32.6% of the total population of Australia. “Emergency” hospital signage has a great role in helping these people to find out about the emergency department. 

Hospitals often have complex spaces. Just think about it: if the patients don’t find the doctor’s room they need. The health situation of the patients can be worse if they can’t reach the required place timely. This can also create stress among patients. 

But as we mentioned, the signage can help patients find the desired hospital departments. Ultimately, it reduces confusion and stress for patients, staff, and visitors. There are various types of wayfinding hospital signs are used to help people find their destination in Australian hospitals. 

Types of hospital signage include, but are not limited to:

• Wayfinding and directional signage
• Informational signage
• Identification signage
• Regulatory and compliance signage
• Safety and emergency signage
• Digital signage, and more. 

In this post, we will discuss the types of signage a hospital can use. You will benefit from this and can update your hospital’s signage as needed. 

Types of Hospital Signage in Australia

33,200 people are hospitalised daily in Australia, both in public and private hospitals.  There are visitors as well, along with the patients. To serve them, there are doctors, nurses, and other staff. 

To help such a large number of people daily, different types of hospital signs are used to make them confident in finding directions and information about hospital things. 

The following are the most common types of hospital signs you can use to help visitors, patients, and staff in hospitals. 

1. Wayfinding and Directional Signage

Wayfinding signs help visitors navigate the hospital. These signs include:

• Directional arrows
• Floor maps
• Symbols, etc. 

These guide individuals to specific areas, such as:

• reception,
• emergency wards,
• diagnostic rooms,
• doctors’ chambers, etc. 

• Floor-Level-Directories: 

These signs are often placed at entry points. They provide detailed maps for visitors to find floors, departments, and services. 

• Doctor Directory Signs:

These signs list doctors by name, room number, qualification, and specialty. So patients can easily locate them efficiently. 

Here is a list of different wayfinding and directional signs that are used in hospitals. 

2. Informational Signage

Informational signage provides critical instructions, general hospital guidelines, and operational updates. Hospitals that serve multicultural communities often use multilingual signs. 

Visitors, patients, and staff get all information in accessible formats on the informational signs. This increases the overall experience of visitors.

Some examples of informational signs are as follows: 

Visiting Hours

• Informational signs state the visiting hours for specific wards. (E.g., General Ward Visiting Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM)
• Special notices are displayed for restricted access in areas like ICU or isolation zones. 

General Facility Information

• Hours for outpatient clinics, pharmacies, and imaging services.
• Instructions for using hospital facilities like cafeterias, parking, or ATMs.
• “No Smoking” signs for smoke-free hospital zones.

Operational Update

• Notices about facility changes: “Lab services temporarily moved to Level 2, Block B.”
• Alerts on maintenance issues: “Lift 3 is currently out of service. Please use Lift 2 or stairs.”

Health Campaigns and Awareness Programs

• Banners promoting vaccination drives, blood donation events, or health screenings.
• Seasonal health advice: “Flu Shots Available – Visit the Pharmacy Today!”

3. Identification Signage

Identification signage helps people recognise different hospital rooms, departments, or facilities. Unlike wayfinding signs, identification signs are placed in front of doorways, rooms, and glass doors.

Examples of identification signs include:

• Doctor Rooms: 

Name of the doctor with his designation and available hours. 

• Patient Rooms: 

Numbered signs, such as “Room 101”, often accompany the patient’s name or ID on a modular plaque.

• Treatment Areas:

Signs like “X-Ray Room” or “Operation Theatre” are placed adjacent to the corresponding door.

• Specialty Departments:

Signs for “Maternity Ward”, “Oncology Unit”, or “Surgical Suite” above large entryways.

• Outpatient Clinics:

Signs like “Outpatient Reception” and individual doctor consultation rooms with modular nameplates.

• Administrative Spaces:

Clearly marked areas for “Billing Office,” “Reception Desk,” or “Staff Only.”

4. Regulatory and Compliance Signage

Hospitals must follow strict rules for safety and access for all. So, they follow the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 for disabled persons. 

Hospitals use regulatory and compliance signs. Regulatory signage ensures everyone can navigate the hospitals’ signs. Example of such a sign:

• Disability-compliant Signage: Hospitals ensure signage with facilities such as Braille, tactile elements, and clear visual contrast. The signage is visible to all disabled persons, even those with wheelchairs. 

Also, hospitals must inform about the risks of any objects or whatever people should be aware of. Department of Health Care and Age Care Regulations and NSQHS standards cover safety in health care. 

Examples of safety signs:

• Statutory Caution Signs: Signs that inform staff and visitors about hazards, such as:
  • radiation
  • biohazards
  • dangerous medical goods
  • restricted access zones
• Emergency Exit Signs: These signs are used to guide people out of the hospital during
  • fires,
  • earthquakes, or
  • other emergencies.
• Healthcare Safety Signs: These signs Indicate areas with specific safety requirements. They include signs, such as zones requiring personal protective equipment (PPE).

In Australia, safety regulations require emergency signs to be visible, durable, and photoluminescent. This ensures they can be seen in low light.

5. Modular Signage

Modular signs consist of panels or inserts. They can be easily updated without replacing the entire sign, saving time and costs.

Hospitals frequently use modular signage. This signage allows for flexibility when rooms or departments change names, staff titles, or purposes.

Example: Outside a doctor’s office, a modular sign might include:

• The doctor’s name and title (e.g., “Dr. John Smith, Cardiologist”)
• Room function (e.g., “Consultation Room”)

If a new doctor takes over, you can replace only the name panel and keep the main sign intact.

6. Digital Signage

Digital signage refers to using electronic displays for signage purposes. They include LED screens, LCD monitors, or projection systems. Digital signage presents dynamic content such as information, videos, images, or real-time updates. 

In most cases, digital signage can be used as an alternative to traditional static signage in hospitals. They are improving the communication experience and keeping pace with hospital operations. 

Digital signs can also be integrated with content management systems. So Admins can easily update or schedule information. 

The Australian digital signage market is expanding day by day. It is expected to value USD 644 million by 2029 with a CAGR of 7.77%.

The applications of digital hospital signage are diverse. Examples are:

• Wayfinding Screens: Interactive maps and directories in lobbies or entrances.
• Waiting Room Displays: Health education videos, appointment updates, or entertainment.
• Queue Management Systems: Real-time queue numbers and wait times.
• Emergency Notification Systems: Instant alerts during emergencies.
• Staff Communication Boards: Private digital screens in staff-only areas for meeting schedules and updates.
• Cafeteria Menus: Dynamic menu displays that show meal options, nutritional information, and pricing.
• Health Campaign Displays: Promoting vaccination drives, wellness programs, and safety reminders.
• Emergency and Safety Signs: Can be used for emergency exits, safety cautions, etc. 

Key Considerations When Installing Hospital Signage

Here is a quick go-through for consideration when installing hospital signage.

Keep Visitor Experience in Mind

Effective wayfinding signage improves patient flow. So, it reduces congestion in hospitals. You should strategically place the hospital signage. 

• Place signs at decision points, such as entrances, crossways, hallways, and in front of the elevator.

When designing wayfinding signs, ensure consistency in symbols, colours, and typography. Well-designed signage can make navigation easy and reduce the need for extra assistance. 

Prioritise the Durability and Maintenance

Since hospitals are public places, hospital signage has to withstand high foot traffic, cleaning chemicals, and other harsh conditions. You should opt for durable materials like aluminium, acrylic, PVC, stainless steel, etc. 

• Inspect the signs regularly for proper visibility and maintenance. 
• Clean them to maintain hygiene.
• Update digital signage software for real-time accuracy. 

You Can Opt for a Modular Design for Flexibility

Modular signs are interchangeable. You can use modular signage for flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Hospitals are always changing. They add new departments, doctors, and protocols. 

So you can easily update or replace the panels. You don’t have to change the whole structure. Also, this is ideal for multi-specialty hospitals with shifting needs. 

Final Thoughts

Hospital signs improve safety, compliance, and the visitor experience. Different types of signs fulfil different needs in hospitals. Durable, functional signage helps healthcare facilities meet their rules and needs.

For custom hospital signage, contact Signage 4Business Group. They offer solutions to suit your facility’s needs across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. We help healthcare facilities ensure safe, easy navigation for all visitors, patients, and staff. We focus on precision, durability, and compliance.