Blog

Stance Healthcare Launches New Website

This entry was posted in Company, News on October 10, 2019

Ontario, Canada – Stance Healthcare (Stance), a leader in healthcare furniture, is proud to announce the launch of their redesigned website. This site is product-focused, allowing manufacturer representatives, dealers, and the architecture and design community to navigate the site efficiently when researching healthcare furniture.

The website has been updated with a modern and minimalistic look and feel which is more representative of the company Stance is today. Users will also have a great browsing experience no matter what device they are using since the website has been re-developed to adapt to all devices and screen sizes.

The navigation menu has been revamped to be more intuitive, product information has been condensed to appear on a single webpage, and an abundance of new modern product imagery has been included. It is easier than ever for users to find what they’re looking for, whether it be pricing, images, or finishes. The website will continue to include a live chat feature – although it also has a brand-new look!

New sections of the website include an insights page for industry information and a dynamic gallery that links users to featured products. Users will also have the opportunity to get a realistic 360-degree view of select seating products, and the rep locator is now conveniently located on the homepage.

“We’ve built a website that is more image-based and supports the evolving needs of furniture specifiers,” says Carl Kennedy, President. “We want to make specifying our products as effortless as possible. The new look and feel of this website reflect the direction of the Stance brand, and is just one of many investments we are making in new technologies to both drive and support our growth”.

View the redesigned website at www.stancehealthcare.com

Employees Increase Food Donations by 45%

This entry was posted in Company on September 11, 2019

For the fifth year in a row Stance Healthcare ended summer with a two-week long food drive benefiting The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Supporting the community in which we do business, employees cumulatively collected 853 lbs of food for the drive, an increase of 45% over last year! Stance Healthcare contributed donating an additional $5 for each pound of food collected, up to a maximum of $1500. The combined total provided over 5,100 meals to our hungry neighbors.

Over the last 5 years Stance Healthcare’s combined food and fund donations have provided over 24,000 meals to the 1 in 20 families in the community who are in need of food assistance.

Fifth annual food drive donations

A Refreshing Look on My Resource Library

This entry was posted in Company on August 12, 2019

This summer we made it a priority to update our binder on My Resource Library, a digital library and industry resource center for the contract furniture market. The new clean appearance gives dealers, designers and end users a refreshing look at our full product offering. We’ve also utilized the binder’s side bars to provide expanded product information including specs, cleaning instructions, environmental information and pricing. The layout and imagery of the binder gives users a peek at what they can expect to see when we launch our new website in the coming months.

View our binder at My Resource Library:
https://www.myresourcelibrary.com/StanceHealthcare

Stance Healthcare Screen Shot on My Resource Library website

Expanded Behavioral & Mental Health Toolbox

This entry was posted in Company on August 12, 2019

Earlier this year the Center for Health Design re-launched the Behavioral & Mental Health toolbox. It’s a valuable resource containing a library of research findings, expert insights, strategies and tools. This month the Center for Health Design added two new webinars to the toolbox:

Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Unit: A Solution to an overcrowded ED
This webinar will examine the Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Unit as a case study, including direct outcomes achieved by the project. Since opening, the unit has had a positive effect on the ED, lessening mental health patients in the ED and decreasing the psychiatric inpatient admission rates for patients.

Comprehensive Test Methods for Products in Behavioral Health Environments at the Design in Mental Health Network
This webinar will discuss some of the common challenges witnessed and used to develop the testing methods – with a focus on ligature performance and robustness. Hear about their learnings about doors and windows which feature so highly with sentinel events that they needed their own category of testing. Review key areas of risk within mental health environments and lessons learned about managing risk in reality.

Stance Healthcare Awarded New York and North Carolina State Contracts

This entry was posted in Company on July 24, 2019

Ontario, Canada – Effective immediately, Stance Healthcare (Stance) has been awarded a five-year contract with State of New York, and a 3-year contract with the State of North Carolina. Being a preferred supplier will significantly impact Stance’s visibility within the purchasing departments of respective government agencies.

These contracts will allow Stance to provide new high-quality commercial furniture in the following categories:

New York State	North Carolina State
· Seating	· Wood Seating
· Tables	· Metal Seating
· Specialty Seating	· Dining Tables
· Dormitory Furniture	· Occasional Tables
· Office Furniture	· Lounge Seating

“Contracts bring positive growth to the business and help us maintain a competitive advantage,” says Carl Kennedy, President. “We are honored to have been awarded contracts with both New York and North Carolina this month. We are always working on new opportunities to work with government agencies, and understand the importance these relationships have on our business”.

The State selects vendors that provide the highest quality products at the best possible value. The lengthy award process included reviewing our current product offering and adhering to rigorous respective State contract requirements.

Stance Healthcare Partners with Frövi North America

This entry was posted in News on July 22, 2019

Bringing innovative, distinctive commercial furniture to North America

Ontario, Canada (July 22, 2019) – Stance Healthcare (Stance) is pleased to announce its partnership with Frövi North America (Frövi NA), the American subsidiary of Frövi UK, a family-owned British commercial furniture company for social spaces, inspired by Scandinavian design.

The partnership between Stance and Frövi NA will see Frövi NA build on their success in the North American market by leveraging the strong relationships and distribution network Stance has built over the past decade, within the contract furniture industry. Each company will approach the market independently through their respective independent sales rep groups.

Frövi NA will take advantage of Stance’s supply chain and skilled production team as Stance gradually expands the capabilities of their Kitchener manufacturing facility to include the production of select Frövi NA products and distribution of them throughout Canada and the United States.

Carl Kennedy will remain President of Stance Healthcare while also assuming the role of Sales Director for Frövi North America. His responsibilities will include overseeing the strategic introduction and expansion of Frövi NA to the North American Market. Carl will continue to leverage his industry knowledge and relationships to ensure the success of both Stance and Frövi NA as they continue to grow.

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring Frövi NA to the North American market.” says Carl Kennedy, President, Stance Healthcare/Sales Director, Frövi North America. “I believe their strong brand and design-forward products, combined with our industry relationships and distribution model, will ensure a successful and sustainable presence for the Frovi brand in North America.”

“With shared core values and a focus on quality crafted furniture, Stance Healthcare is the perfect partner to help us enter the North American Market,” says Ben Dunham, Design Director, Frövi. “By leveraging their knowledge of the market, we look forward to expanding our business and raising the profile of our brand within the North American contract furniture industry.

Frovi catalog against stance building

Over $22,000 Raised for Heart & Stroke

This entry was posted in Company on June 17, 2019

igbike_logo_en

For the third year in a row, Stance Healthcare employees filled the 29-seater Big Bike and rode for 20 minutes through the streets of Kitchener. This year staff raised over $4000 for the popular fundraising event, which was generously matched by Stance Healthcare, for a combined total of over $8000!!

In the past three years Stance Healthcare’s big bike participation has raised over $22000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Donations are used to help fund critical research that’s preventing heart disease and stroke, saving lives and supporting survivors and their families.

Stance-Big-Bike-2019-15-300x225

NeoCon 2019 – See You At The Show!

This entry was posted in Company on May 22, 2019

We’ve been busy!! NeoCon, one of the most recognized and attended trade shows in the industry is just around the corner, and we’ve been preparing for the big day! It’s going to be hard to beat last year’s award for best large booth design (400 sq. ft. or larger) from the IIDA, but we’re going to give it our best shot!

Held from June 10-12 at The Mart in Chicago, you’ll find us at booth 7-4050. If you’re planning on attending the show, make sure to stop by and take a look at our recently launched Verona Lounge Seating Collection and our Frontier Collection specifically made for behavioral health – it even includes a “flip-style” bedside cabinet! Not to mention, we will also have on display products currently in development and some that will be launching a few weeks following the show.

If you’re not able to attend, we’ve got you covered, we will be airing a Facebook Live event on Sunday at 1 PM (CT) to show you around our space prior to show opening.

And of course, a show isn’t complete without refreshments and a contest. On Monday June 10^th from 3 – 5 PM (CT) join us for cocktails and your chance to win a GoPro. We’ll be doing it all over again on Tuesday June 11^thfrom 3 – 5 PM (CT) where we will continue to keep the refreshments flowing and you will have a chance to win a pair of wireless Bose headphones.

It’s going to be a great show!

Supporting Resources for Behavioral and Mental Health Design

This entry was posted in Company on May 22, 2019

hcdesign-patient-center-medical-home

A Partnership Focused on Evidence-Based Design Tools

Ontario, Canada – For the second year in a row, Stance Healthcare, a manufacturer of furniture for healing environments, has partnered with The Center for Health Design (CHD), the principal provider of healthcare design research, education and advocacy.

This ongoing partnership continues to focus on evidence-based design tools, resources and educational opportunities for behavioral and mental health design. More specifically, the expansion of their Behavioral & Mental Health toolbox, a workshop in September and informational webinars.

Re-launched this month, the Behavioral & Mental Health toolbox contains a library of research findings, expert insights, strategies, tools, and other useful resources connecting the built environment to better health outcomes and reduced cost of care. New resources this year include 6 webinars, 1 interview, 1 lessons learned document, 1 blog and 1 list of related resources. Stance Healthcare’s partnership with the CHD has made these toolbox materials available and free to all until March 2020.

In September Stance Healthcare will once again be sponsoring a Behavioral Health workshop focused on designing for mental and behavioral health facilities. Taking place in Baltimore, Maryland, attendees will gain insights and strategies on this growing area of design.

“With increased knowledge, we are undergoing an evolution of change when it comes to designing for behavioral health environments,” says Carl Kennedy, President. “We appreciate the value The Center for Health Design brings to the industry, and are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with them again on this behavioral and mental health initiative.”

To access the complete toolbox, click here.

PRESS RELEASE: A NEW Frontier for Behavioral Health

This entry was posted in Company, Design on April 23, 2019

Ontario, Canada – Stance Healthcare announced today the launch of Frontier, a rotationally-molded collection for Behavioral Health consisting of a platform bed and bedside cabinet.

Constructed with high-impact polyethylene, continuously molded for maximum durability, Frontier features rounded corners and edges, providing a safe environment for patients. These products are easy to clean, and the bed features an innovative system that supports fluid removal.

Unique is the flip-style bedside cabinet for preferred configuration, providing designers with increased flexibility and highly usable space for patients to keep their personal belongings. The Frontier bed and bedside cabinet have a more residential appeal than other rotationally-molded products on the market. Specifically, the floor-mount system for the bed was developed to have minimal impact on the overall aesthetics of the product, helping the patient feel at ease in their environment.

“We created this collection in response to the growing demand for behavioral health products with a residential appeal,” says President, Carl Kennedy. “In consultation with healthcare designers and facility managers, we were able to develop a product that improves that quality of life for patients while maintaining the design specifications required for intensive use environments.”

The new Frontier collection will be showcased at the most important commercial design event of the year, NeoCon from June 10-12 in Chicago, and at the Healthcare Design Expo + Conference from November 2-5 in New Orleans.

Attessa Line Expansion Provides Hundreds of New Layout Options

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on March 19, 2019

Ontario, Canada – Stance Healthcare announced today the expansion of their popular modular lounge seating collection. Attessa’s new ‘curved’ modular components will allow for greater design flexibility in public spaces.

This sleek, versatile and comfortable lounge collection features engineered plywood and 14-gauge steel bracketing to provide enhanced durability for high-traffic areas. The nylon-webbed seat deck provides increased comfort and its heavy-duty ganging system is intuitive and easy to install.

“We wanted to expand our current Attessa line and provide our customers with enhanced design flexibility,” says President, Carl Kennedy. “These curved components provide more layout options to enable a whole new level of creativity than before.”

The Attessa Collection also includes laminate or solid surface tabletops, a choice of wood or powdercoated steel legs and the option of contrasting fabrics and power integration.

Prototypes of the ‘curved’ Attessa modular components were featured at NeoCon in June of 2018 and HCD in November 2018 and received positive feedback.

RECAP: 2018 Product Introductions

This entry was posted in Company, Products on January 10, 2019

We introduced 6 new products last year, from a modern wood seating collection to a line of case goods specifically designed for behavioral health. Find the complete list of 6 below:

	Kite Metal Seating Ideal for patient rooms and virtually any area where space is at a premium. Available in 16” and 18” seat widths, Kite is lightweight, highly durable and can be conveniently folded and stored on a wall bracket when not in use
	Carson Recliner Designed for demanding healthcare environments including triage areas, infusion treatment spaces and patient rooms. Carson offers a high level of comfort for the patient, and great ease-of-use for the caregiver or family member.
	Marathon Seating Collection Featuring a fully-welded 14-gauge steel frame, molded foam and a glass-filled nylon arm that is virtually indestructible. Marathon is engineered to endure high levels of use over an extended period of time.
	Gibraltar Case Goods for Behavioral Health This series features rounded aluminum legs that protect the cabinet from damage and offer a contemporary, residential aesthetic.
	Carson Sleep Sofa This sleeper is user-friendly, easy to clean, and highly accommodative to the space constraints of patient rooms. Available as a Sleep Sofa with back and arms, or a compact Bench Sleeper with a small footprint.
	Marna Seating Collection This collection combines modern, minimalist aesthetics with robust engineering methods that exceed all necessary requirements for outstanding performance in healthcare environments.

Supporting the Healthcare Design Industry

This entry was posted in Company on January 3, 2019

Gold Partner of the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers

We’ve enhanced our visibility within the AAHID by increasing our investment with the organization. As a Gold level partner, we believe Certified Healthcare Interior Designers are an important asset to the industry as they understand healthcare design challenges and work towards enhancing the health, quality and safety of healthcare interior environments. Stance Healthcare and the AAHID are both committed to transforming the healthcare environment into one for healing, improving outcomes and maximizing efficiency.

About AAHID
AAHID is a nonprofit organization committed to the development and administration of the only certification program for healthcare interior designers. It is not a membership organization, but rather an organization that board-certifies interior designers in the U.S. and Canada that specialize in acute care, ambulatory care, and residential care facility design.

NEW Kite Metal Folding Chair

This entry was posted in Company on November 21, 2018

Ontario, Canada – Stance Healthcare announced today the release of a new metal folding chair for the healthcare industry. The metal version of the Kite Folding Chair has a highly durable powdercoated frame and is ideal when space is at a premium.

The design is based on the existing kite folding chair which boasts a highly durable wood frame. Both the wood and metal versions of the Kite Metal Chair can be conveniently folded and stored on a wall bracket when not in use, making it ideal for patient rooms.

“It’s simple. The industry was asking for a metal version of our popular kite folding chair – so we delivered” says President, Carl Kennedy. “We appreciate the feedback we receive from the industry and make it our mission to provide solutions for the challenges they face when designing for healthcare environments. In this instance it was a metal chair that could fold and be stored easily while meeting the rigorous criteria required for hospitals and medical clinics.”

The Kite Metal Folding Chair is available in 16” and 18” seat depths and offers an array of features and options:

Contoured back and waterfall seat design
Replaceable seat and back cushions
Optional protective wall bumper on back of chair
Chair depth when mounted to wall is 7.5”

To see the Kite Metal Folding Chair, visit stancehealthcare.com or visit Booth# 835 at Healthcare Design Expo + Conference from November 10 – 13 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona. For show information visit www.hcdexpo.com.

5 Behavioral Health Educational Sessions You’ll Want to Attend at HCD 2018

This entry was posted in Company, News on October 24, 2018

This year Healthcare Design Expo + Conference is taking place in Arizona at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona. Seeing that we are a company located North of the border, we’re certainly looking forward to this event! You’ll find us at booth# 835 encouraging you to try the sit of our new Kite Metal Folding Chair and giving away adorable coloring books. Did you know coloring can reduce stress and anxiety levels?

While at the conference, you’ll also want to catch one of these 5 sessions focused on designing for Behavioral Health:

E01: Psychiatric Ward Design Can Reduce Aggressive Behavior
Sunday, November 11^th, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

This presentation describes a design theory proposing that aggression in psychiatric facilities can be reduced by designing the physical environment with several evidence-grounded stress-reducing features. The theory was tested in a newer hospital in Sweden having wards with nearly all the features. Clinical data on aggressive behavior, compulsory injections, and physical restraints were compared with data from an older facility that had only one stress-reducing feature. Aggression levels were lowest in the newer facility, as evidenced by reductions in compulsory injections and physical restraints. The research suggests that designing better psychiatric buildings using reasoned theory, the best available evidence, and dialogue with informed clinical staff can reduce the major safety threat posed by aggressive behavior.

A12: Institute for Patient-Centered Design Educational Session – Behavioral Health Innovation
Sunday, November 11, 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM

This session will explore research and development of a behavioral health patient room, in which facility designers not only focused on the space, but they redesigned each component of the room to create a safer, more patient friendly solution.

I05: Safety for All: Keeping Patients and Staff Safe in Behavioral Health
Sunday, November 11, 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM

Mental health awareness is on the rise and there is a is a marked increase in patients presenting at emergency departments who require treatment for mental health issues. This unique patient population has very specific needs and requires environments that are safe for both the patient and the staff. This roundtable will review two case studies of built behavioral health areas within the existing emergency department. Attendees will get an in-depth look at the materials, products, and systems developed to provide safe and durable environments and discuss the outcomes.

E89: A Holistic Approach to Behavioral Health Treatment Facilities
Tuesday, November 13, 2018: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

The Neuro-Diagnostic Institute and Advanced Treatment Center is Indiana’s first new state mental hospital since 1952. First of its kind, this facility will diagnosis and develop treatment plans for all ages with a wide range of brain-related illnesses. The facility, scheduled to begin serving patients in early 2019, will be a key component allowing Indiana to be equipped to diagnose and care for those who suffer from neurological and mental health disorders. The design utilizes the existing Community East infrastructure to form a new facility and a connector between the two buildings, with a variety of new systems and state-of-the-art equipment.

E109: A Joining of Hands: Holistically Caring for the Behavioral Health Patient
Tuesday, November 13, 2018: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

“Improved access for patients,” “hotel-like care environments,” and “modern treatment facilities” are buzz words we hear today in the healthcare design industry. Unfortunately, behavioral health-focused facilities are often excluded from this conversation. This regional hospital behavioral health expansion is having that conversation. The project not only seeks to create modern facilities, but will consolidate behavioral health services into one building, allowing staff collaboration and access to patients from crisis intervention to outpatient counseling. This presentation will highlight the design and collaboration process with clinicians as well as strategies for flexibility and growth for the future, implemented with design team assistance.

Haven’t signed up yet for the show? Register here!

Annual Food Drive Collects 597 lbs of Food

This entry was posted in Company on September 11, 2018

For the fourth year in a row Stance Healthcare ended summer with a two-week long (August 20 – 31^st) food drive benefiting The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Supporting the community in which we do business, employees cumulatively collected 597 lbs of food for the drive. Stance Healthcare contributed donating an additional $5 for each pound of food collected!

10 Design Features to Minimize Aggression in Behavioral Health Facilities

This entry was posted in Design on August 14, 2018

Patients arriving at a behavioral health facility may already be stressed due to their medical state or the fact that they may be admitted involuntarily. Often stress can lead to aggression in this type of environment, making it difficult for staff to perform optimally. It is reported that 32.4% of patients admitted to behavioral health facilities engaged in aggressive behavior or violence.

The thought is that if the built environment had design features to minimize aggression, then there would be an increase in the safety and well-being of patients and staff.

An article titled Psychiatric ward design can reduce aggressive behavior that was recently included in the Journal of Environmental Psychology highlights 10 design features to minimize aggression in behavioral health environments:

Minimize Crowding

Shared bedrooms cause higher crowding stress, reduced privacy, more aggression, increased illness complaints and social withdrawal. Therefore, single patient rooms with private bathrooms lessen the stress associated with crowded spaces.
Communal areas with seating options and ample space to regulate relationships are important. Since personal space intrusions can trigger aggression, it’s vital for patients to have ample personal space with seating options. This allows them to monitor their interactions with others and can keep greater distances.
Design for a low ratio of patients to the number of rooms available. This will help reduce crowding and allow patients the ability to move between different rooms comfortably – regulating relationships and avoiding stressors.

Reduce Noise, Increase Control

Uncontrollable or random noise increases stress and can trigger aggression. Therefore, noise reducing design can lessen stress and improves communication between staff and patients. Design measures for reducing noise include walls and doors that block noise, as well as sound-absorbing environmental surfaces that diminish echoing.
A patient can become stressed when exposed to environmental conditions that are out of their control. Therefore, patient rooms should be designed with a certain level of control. Design features may include ways a patient can personalize their room or have operable features such as lighting and windows.

Positive Distractions

It is well documented that gardens accessible to patients can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. Gardens designed with informal natural styles that include vegetation and flowers are more effective in reducing stress than structured or geometric gardens with prominent hardscape.
Nature window views can also reduce stress and diminish anger. Although not as effective as physically being in a garden, it is still beneficial.
When selecting accessories for behavioral health facilities, realistic nature art should be considered. It is more effective at reducing stress and aggression than abstract artwork.
Patients exposure to daylight may have shorter stays and staff exposed to daylight report less stress, better health, and higher satisfaction.

Design for Observations

Final design features to minimize aggression include communal spaces and bedroom doors observable from a central area to help staff anticipate and prevent aggressive behavior. Floor layouts with a central area for observation should be considered over corridor-dominated designs.

Stance Healthcare’s Big Bike Ride Raises Over $7,500

This entry was posted in Company, News on June 19, 2018

The unpredictable weather didn’t prevent the staff at Stance Healthcare from participating in the Heart and Strokes Big Bike fundraising event for the second year in a row. Employees eagerly rode the Big Red Bike through the streets of Kitchener for about 20 minutes. Surpassing last year’s fundraising dollars, staff raised over $3000, our suppliers donated over $1000, and Stance Healthcare generously matched the employees fundraising goal, for a combined fundraising total of over $7,500!

The funds raised help ensure that critical research in hospitals and universities across Canada can continue. It supports the vision of creating healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke.

Top 5 Highlights from NeoCon 2018

This entry was posted in Company, News on June 15, 2018

NeoCon, the most important contract furniture event of the year, is always an overwhelming experience – from long elevator lines and getting lost on the show floor to the overload of texture, color, and inspiration! Below are our Top 5 Highlights from NeoCon 2018:

2018 BEST LARGE BOOTH DESIGN

One of our top highlights from NeoCon 2018 had to be our show space. Interior Designer Suzanne Fawley created a space that could be remembered, an experience – a place where conversations take place. Before the show we were ecstatic to hear that Stance Healthcare had won the award for Best Large Booth Design from the IIDA and Contract Magazine. If you didn’t have a chance to see the space, you can visit it on Instagram, or view the 360 pictures on Facebook.

2. HiP AWARD HONOREE

Interior Design’s HiP Award recognizes innovative products at NeoCon. And although we didn’t win, one of the highlights from NeoCon 2018 was when our Carson Sleeper won “honoree” status in the health & wellness furniture category. This sleeper has a small footprint and can be specified according to the space available.

PRODUCTS CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT

Our manufacturer reps spent a lot of time perusing our space with clients and providing us with feedback on products currently in development. Below were some of their favorites:

Attessa Curved – This modular lounge seating has a curved back and seat, providing a softer look to suit a wide range of spaces. Its modular components are built to serve high-traffic, public areas.

Attessa “Pod” – This product was developed as we begin to see more application for private spaces in healthcare. This is the same product as our current Attessa, but with the added height of privacy panels.

Carina Lounge – Another option in lounge seating, this collection has sleek geometric lines creating a more contemporary look. Bold, yet sophisticated.

INDUSTRY FRIENDS

Of course, a list of highlights from NeoCon 2018 wouldn’t be complete without seeing old friends and meeting some new ones. As always, we enjoyed a visit with our fabric suppliers who gave us the inside scoop on what’s new in textiles. A virtual reality session from Kisp made me think more about where this industry is going concerning technology. The only bit of swag we were able to pick up came from a visit to Project Matrix where we received a wine tumbler (not that I’m complaining). Lastly, thank you to our good friends from My Resource Library who were decked out in green and stopped by for a visit.

5. FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Work hard, play hard…right? We started off the show on Sunday evening with a tame dinner but finished with good times at Howl at the Moon. The three days that followed were mostly spent in the booth during the day but eating some classic Chicago food in the evening – deep dish pizza anyone?!

Those are the highlights from NeoCon 2018 – see you next year!

Behavioral Health Workshop Sponsored by Stance Healthcare

This entry was posted in Company on June 1, 2018

On September 27^th 2018, The Center for Healthcare Design is hosting a Behavioral Health Workshop titled Strategic Facility Design Innovations that Improve Treatment Outcomes, Safety and the Bottom Line. Stance Healthcare is proud to sponsor this interactive workshop that enables design professionals to employ physical design strategies and methodologies that support improved care for behavioral health. The workshop will feature industry thought leaders and real-world strategies that support behavioral health populations.

This type of learning opportunity aligns with Stance Healthcare’s vision of providing behavioral health patients with safe and comfortable healing environments. Stance Healthcare’s furnishings are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, yet able to withstand intense environments, and are easy-to-clean. They have also been developed in consultation with healthcare interior designers, behavioral health practitioners, facility managers and housekeeping staff.

If you are intending to design new mental and behavioral health facilities, or wishing to evaluates the quality of your existing facility, you should attend this educational session. By registering for the workshop before July 31st, you’ll receive early bird pricing. Registration details can be found on The Center for Healthcare Design’s website: https://www.healthdesign.org/events/121.

NeoCon 2018 – Spaces Healthcare Specifiers Won’t Want to Miss

This entry was posted in Company on May 23, 2018

This year NeoCon 2018 will be celebrating its 50th edition as the world’s leading platform and one of the most important events of the year for the healthcare design industry. NeoCon 2018 will take place at The Mart from Monday, June 11th to Wednesday, June 13th hosting over 500 leading companies. With so many manufacturers and emerging companies in the categories of furniture, fabrics, flooring, and technology, it can be challenging to decide which ones to visit first! Below is our “don’t miss” guide to helping you navigate NeoCon 2018:

Stinson – 10-150

Stinson helps make healthcare seating come to life! This year at NeoCon 2018, Stinson will introduce their Habitat Collection which explores unique yearns and inviting patterns that connect with our comfort zones.

Project Matrix – 7-3130

ProjectMatrix was founded in 1987 by dealer design professionals who wanted a better choice than the existing software available for space planning and specification. This year at NeoCon 2018 they will be unveiling their new look, demonstrating software updates and giving away some swag. Stance Healthcare is happy to be one of the manufacturer libraries available in ProjectMatrix.

MRL – 7-3130

If you haven’t heard of My Resource Library, you might be living under a rock. They are the premier digital library serving the contract market; and this year you will find them exhibiting with Project Matrix. Together they will be showing the new integration capabilities within MRL, Project Matrix and CET Designer. Also, if you find a MRL team member during the show, you’ll be rewarded with a gift card to Starbucks!

VividBoard – 1060

A GMI company, VividBoard specializes in whiteboards that can improve patient care, patient relationships with an overall staff satisfaction. This year they are excited to be in a brand-new showroom at The Mart. Stop by for a tour and see some of their new product introductions. Also, on Monday they will be hosting a cocktail party on June 11th from 2-5pm to celebrate their new space.

Stance Healthcare – 7-4050

Of course, we would love for you to stop by our new space! This year our booth size has doubled to include 850 square feet of high-quality products that meet the ever-evolving demands of the healthcare industry as it relates to infection control, safety, design, and comfort. Newly released products you can expect to see at the show include the Marna Seating Collection and Carson Sleeper. We will also be hosting cocktails on Monday, June 11th from 3 – 5 pm to celebrate our enhanced space.

Click here to read more about our new space

Enjoy the show!

Supporting Mental Health Awareness

This entry was posted in Company on May 14, 2018

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. May is known as Mental Health Awareness month, and we are working with NAMI to help “cure stigma”.

As a manufacturer of furniture for behavioral health environments, this cause is especially important to us. When speaking with behavioral health professionals we often hear of the shame, fear and silence stigma can cause, often preventing people from seeking help and treatment.

This month, in partnership with NAMI, we are spreading the word about mental health awareness and helping to cure the stigma. Partnerships such as these are a vital part of building the mental health movement. This year we’ve also donated $5000 to NAMI in an effort to help them educate individuals and educators, advocate for national public policy and lead public awareness activities such as Mental Health Awareness month and the #CureStigma campaign.

Stigma harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence, and in some cases, even takes lives. We can #CureStigma with compassion, empathy and understanding. Take the quiz today to find out how you can #CureStigma.

The prevalence of mental health can be seen in the statistics below:

It's National Children’s #MentalHealth Awareness Day – "Half of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24, but early intervention programs can help" (via @NAMICommunicate) #mentalhealthawrenessmonth #mentalhealthmonth pic.twitter.com/TU6m0f79MV

— Stance Healthcare (@stancehealth) May 10, 2018

Stigma is toxic to those affected by #mentalhealth conditions. It creates shame, fear and silence. It prevents people from seeking help and treatment. Take the quiz today and learn how to #CureStigma w/ @NAMICommunicate: https://t.co/1JkGkfsQUn pic.twitter.com/gM8HtsanR1

— Stance Healthcare (@stancehealth) May 7, 2018

About NAMI

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

NAMI started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 and has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, they are an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. three more words

Healing Design for Teens

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on April 18, 2018

Key takeaways from the webinar Healing design for teens in crisis: A story of innovation, research & hope. Hosted by The Center for Health Design. Presented by Jessica Radecki, Associate Principal, Medical Planner Clark/Kjos Architects

Last week Stance Healthcare sponsored a webinar hosted by The Center for Health Design. Focused on healing design for teens, over 340 people attended the webinar, making it the largest audience ever for The Center for Health Design. With increased awareness of mental health and adolescents, it’s obvious why this webinar on healing design for teens was of interest to so many people.

The presentation specifically addressed a project Jessica worked on in Washington that was completed in November of 2016. MultiCare’s Tacoma General Hospital is 19,600 square feet, has 27 inpatient beds and serves adolescents between the ages of 13-18 who have been admitted both voluntary and involuntarily. The framework of the project was based on Trauma Informed Care and recovery values of hope, acceptance, mutual respect, inclusion, empowerment, choice, citizenship, person-centered, meaningfulness and believing in people.

Guided by research the design process included providing 3 different spaces within the behavioral health environment:

Physical: Providing functional spaces for sufficient and varied activity. This includes access to nature and views, providing adequate space, avoiding crowding, creating variety, and being sensitive to stimulation.
Social: These spaces promote positive behaviors by providing privacy, a range of active spaces, and a place for spiritual mindfulness, physical exercise, and social intimacy.
Symbolic: These spaces provide signals of trust, collaboration, refuge and respect by
creating a non-containment feeling, minimizing signals of mistrust, and creating a sense of community.

Jessica also reference an excellent resource for designers and architects. The Patient Safety Standards, Materials and Systems Guidelines recommended by the New York State Office of Mental Health provides guidelines on selecting materials, fixtures, and hardware. You can find the publication on the Office of Mental Health website.

After watching this webinar, I can definitely appreciate the challenges that come with creating a healing design for teens.

A recording of the webinar will be available on the Center for Health Design website in the next couple of weeks. I encourage you to check it out.

Enhanced Show Space at NeoCon’s 50th Anniversary Show

This entry was posted in News on April 17, 2018

Where Conversations Take Place

Ontario, Canada (April 2018) – Stance Healthcare, a manufacturer of furniture for healing environments, has enhanced their show space for Neocon 2018 – one of the most recognizable tradeshows in commercial design.

This year Stance Healthcare’s show space has doubled in size to include 850 square feet of highquality products that meet the ever-evolving demands of the healthcare industry as it relates to infection control, safety, design and comfort. Newly released products you can expect to see at the show include the Marna Seating Collection and Carson Sleeper. Also, Stance Healthcare is excited to be featuring several innovative new furniture designs that are in the final stages of development.

Designed by Behavioral Health interior designer Suzanne Fawley, the enhanced show space will incorporate healthcare inspired color selections, durable textures, and the calming feeling of nature paired with furniture designed specifically for the challenging Healthcare and Behavioral Health environments.

“The goal of the enhanced show space is to promote a feeling that will be remembered, an experience, a place where conversations have depth instead of a space where the obligatory walk-through takes place and nothing is remembered or learned.” says Suzanne Fawley, Design Consultant. “The space will emphasize healthcare area specific vignettes to guide conversation and promote knowledge share.”

“We are very excited about the enhanced show space Suzanne has envisioned for Stance Healthcare,” says Carl Kennedy, President. “We look forward to providing show attendees with a space that highlights the relationship between the healthcare and behavioral health interior environment and furniture.”

In celebration, Stance Healthcare will be hosting a cocktail party in their new show space (booth 7-4050) at NeoCon 2018 on Monday, June 11th from 3 – 5pm at The Mart in Chicago. For show information visit www.neocon.com

Webinar: Designing for Adolescents in Mental Health Crisis: A Story of Research, Innovation, and Hope

This entry was posted in Company, Design on April 9, 2018

We are a proud sponsor of the upcoming webinar: Designing for Adolescents in Mental Health Crisis: A Story of Research, Innovation, and Hope

Adolescence can be a tumultuous time in one’s life. Mental health conditions often surface during this stage, and it may be the first time that some patients enter an inpatient behavioral health unit. How can design best support this patient population that is transitioning from childhood to adulthood? Learn how a design team utilized research, Lean processes, and innovation to solve the challenges of this unique patient population for the 27-bed Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit in Tacoma, Washington. Find out how design can support a seclusion- and restraint-free care model and how pushing beyond the conventions of behavioral healthcare design was achieved.

Learning Objectives:

Hear current trends in behavioral healthcare models that impact the design of the built environment.
Examine how research influenced and contributed to shaping the environment and the attitudes of clinical operations, design, and construction teams.
Learn about highly specialized spaces and innovations in behavioral health design that contribute to improved safety for patients and staff.
Learn how Lean tools were utilized to quickly gain consensus, innovate, meet an aggressive project schedule, and achieve goals.

Register here.

3 Crucial Considerations for Healthcare Waiting Room Design & Layout

This entry was posted in Design on March 26, 2018

Waiting happens in almost every healthcare setting – from the initial check-in, diagnosis, and treatment to anticipating a disease outcome. Although the actual waiting time varies in different types of facilities, the waiting experience is usually tedious and even stressful for many patients and their families. Therefore, it’s imperative to provide patients with a waiting experience and incorporate a waiting room design that reduces negativity and promotes calmness and wellbeing. There are three crucial considerations for waiting room design that will give a positive, comfortable and welcoming experience for patients.

Waiting Room Design – Overall Layout

Have a solid understanding of where patients enter and exit the establishment. Signage should be strategically placed ensuring patients know where to go when they arrive. Your waiting room design should be open enough to allow foot traffic to flow freely, and if possible, patients should not have to retrace their steps or cross paths with other patients.

Waiting Room Design – Furniture Selection

The most important part of your waiting room design is your furniture specification; providing patients with their first impression and ultimately their comfort level in your space. The focal point of a waiting room is usually the reception desk. It should be easily viewable and accessible from the entrance. Choose a reception desk that has adequate storage and a shape and finish that compliments your décor. Seating needs to be comfortable and attractive and have a variety of options; giving patients control as to where they sit. Decide how much furniture you’ll need; how many waiting chairs will be used on your busiest day and add tables to allow patients to have a place for drinks, purses, phones and reading material. Finally, any upholstered furniture needs to be healthcare grade quality and easy-to-clean to avoid healthcare-acquired infections.

Waiting Room Design – Design Elements

In a medical environment, colors should be calm and tranquil. Color elements can be in the form of paint on a wall or artwork such as paintings and photography. Blue provides a sense of calm and peacefulness that can put people at ease. Beige is also calming and can help reflect light, making the waiting room appear warmer and airier. Brown is a great complimentary color when paired with something lighter. In your waiting room design, consideration should also be given to utilizing different sources of light to create a welcoming waiting room design. Natural light with a view of the outdoors provides a welcome distraction to those who are waiting.

Ultimately the goal is to provide a functional layout while combining lighting, furnishings and color for a positive and soothing waiting experience.

NEW – Carson Sleeper

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on March 7, 2018

The Carson Sleeper is user-friendly and easy to clean. Featuring custom widths, this sleeper is highly accomodative to the space constraints of patient rooms. Available as a sleep sofa with back and arms, or a compact bench sleeper; providing a small footprint.

This sleeper features concealed heavy-duty drawer slide mechanisms, an accommodative sleeper surface, choice of wood, polyurethane or solid surface arm caps, choice of casters or wood legs and contrasting fabrics.

Tune in on March 9th at 2pm EST for our Facebook Live broadcast where you will have the opportunity to see the Carson sofa transform into a sleeper live.

Partnership With The Center for Health Design

This entry was posted in Company on March 6, 2018

Ontario, Canada – Stance Healthcare, a manufacturer of furniture for healing environments, has partnered with The Center for Health Design (CHD), the principal provider of healthcare design research, education and advocacy.

The partnership focuses on evidence-based design tools, resources and educational opportunities for behavioral and mental health design. More specifically, the creation of a topic toolbox, informational webinars, an interactive workshop and a continuing education course.

Launched in February, the Behavioral & Mental Health toolbox contains a library of newly-created and CHD staff-curated content – research findings, expert insights, strategies, tools, and other useful resources connecting the built environment to better health outcomes and reduced cost of care. Stance Healthcare’s partnership with the CHD has made these toolbox materials available and free to all until March 2019. A CEU course approved for AIA/EDAC credit will also be available later this year.

On September 27th Stance Healthcare is proud to sponsor a Behavioral Health workshop focused on Strategic Facility Design Innovations that Improve Treatment Outcomes, Safety and the Bottom Line. Taking place in Baltimore, Maryland, attendees will gain insight into existing standards and behavioral health models, strategies that address behavioral health across various population groups, design methodologies that hinder or enhance behavioral health and case studies of state-of-the-art facilities that support behavioral health.

“With one in five adults being affected by a behavioral and mental health condition in the U.S. each year, it’s important to understand how design can provide patients with a healing and therapeutic environment,” says Carl Kennedy, President. “We appreciate the value The Center for Health Design brings to the industry, and are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with them on this behavioral and mental health initiative.”

To access the complete toolbox, click here.

To register for the workshop, click here.

6 Tips for Taking Good Install Photos on Your Smart Phone

This entry was posted in Design on February 12, 2018

We all love looking at beautiful installation photos. They help us feel inspired and provide the ability to visualize the vast variations of furniture and fabric options available. When you send us your pictures of Stance Healthcare furniture in healing environments, you could receive $150!* It’s also an excellent way for you to promote your project and gain exposure. Did I mention you could receive $150? If you’re not comfortable with taking photos of furniture and healthcare interiors, I’ve included some guidelines below to help you get started:

Choose the Right Perspective.
Think about the furniture piece you want to capture before taking the photo. Think about if you want to photograph one piece of furniture or an entire healthcare space. Walk around the room and see where the best view is to capture the overall essence of the furniture in its environment.

Clear the Clutter
Keep it simple. The environment should be clear of any clutter, enabling the piece of furniture to be the focal point. Remove magazines and pamphlets from tables and pillows from chairs. If in doubt – take it out.

Choose the Correct Lighting
The type of lighting found in healthcare environments may not necessarily be conducive to taking photos. However, turn off your flash and take advantage of using as much natural light as possible. Nowadays, hospitals are built with more natural light to promote well-being, so make sure to open up the blinds. The light should fill the entire area you are photographing. The best time to take photos that incorporate natural light is in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Use A Tripod
If possible, use a tripod. This is especially important in low lighting to help prevent blurriness. It can also help ensure your photos are level. There are many options available for inexpensive compact smart phone tripods – some are even able to wrap around poles, have magnetic feet and a remote shutter!

Lock the Focus
If you want to prevent your smartphone from attempting to grab a different subject in the frame, lock the focal point on the furniture you want to capture. To do this, simply tap your phone screen on the key furniture piece you want to focus on and your smartphone will do the rest!

Choose the Right Angle
To highlight the furniture in the healing space, you will likely want to take your photo horizontally. You’ll also want to make sure you hold the phone flat to the wall to prevent any distortion. Move around the room taking at least 5 – 10 photos and you’ll be sure to have at least one winning photograph!

If all else fails, hire a photographer to take the photo for you ?

This post was written in collaboration with David Briggs Photography.

NEW – Marna Seating Collection

This entry was posted in Company, News, Products on January 29, 2018

The Marna Healthcare Seating Collection combines modern, minimalist aesthetics with robust engineering methods that exceed all necessary requirements for outstanding performance in healthcare environments.

Features and options include a limited lifetime warranty, 14-gauge internal steel seat frame, removable seat and back upholstery covers, wood side frames, flex-back option, custom wood frame finishes, contrasting fabrics and more!

You can see Marna’s sleek lines for yourself during a Facebook Live broadcast on February 1st at 2pm with our sales specialist Tracey. You will also have the opportunity to see our newest addition to wood seating in person at NeoCon in June.

5 Considerations: Specifying Behavioral Healthcare Furniture

This entry was posted in Design on January 22, 2018

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1 in 5 patients admitted to an acute psychiatric unit may commit an act of violence, and between 75% and 100% of nursing staff on acute psychiatric units have been assaulted by a patient at some stage in their careers. That’s an alarming number! Fortunately, there are things a facility can do to minimize the risk to patients, staff, and visitors. Investing in furnishings specifically designed and manufactured for behavioral health facilities is one consideration.

Here are five things to consider when purchasing furnishings for your next Behavioral Health project:

Safety
This is the most important consideration when specifying furniture for behavioral health facilities. Seating designed for safety will inhibit concealment, feature anti-ligature components, have no sharp points or edges, include tamper-resistant hardware, break-resistant glides, and floor-wall mount options.

Durability
Furniture can help combat self-destructive behavior; it should be movable, yet too heavy to throw. Tables and seating finishes should be specified to deter destruction that leads to objects that can inflict harm to themselves and others. High-pressure laminate, solid surface, and polyurethane surfaces are application specific finish options and can be used where appropriate. Specifying healthcare-grade upholstery materials provides additional durability.

Aesthetics
It’s true – the behavioral health landscape has changed. The principles of Concierge Healthcare Design are being applied to Behavioral Health Facilities to help ease the anxiety of patients, caregivers, and caretakers. Furniture is specified with residential appeal, and materials should be specified for their symbolic meaning rather than for pure functionality. Avoid complex patterns, color stimulation, and reflective surfaces.

Infection Control
Healthcare-acquired infections are always a concern in any healthcare setting. Seating should be easy-to-clean with a 3-way clean sweep around seat cushions, contain no crevices that encourage concealment and provide textiles and finishes that withstand stringent cleaning agents.

Comfort
Furniture should be selected to help patients, and visitors feel at ease. Upholstered furniture provides the ultimate comfort for seating. Multiple types of seating and sizes should also be specified to give patients and visitors the choice of finding furniture most comfortable for them.

Stance Healthcare Awarded Supplier Contract by Premier

This entry was posted in Company on January 15, 2018

Ontario, Canada – Effective immediately, Stance Healthcare has been awarded a group purchasing agreement with Premier. Premier operates one of the largest national Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO) in the United States, with membership of approximately 3,900 U.S. hospitals and more than 150,000 other provider organizations.

Stance Healthcare’s extensive collection of patient seating, recliners, bariatric seating, sleepover seating, guest seating, lounge seating, occasional tables and casegoods for General and Behavioral Healthcare applications are now offered in Premier’s carefully selected portfolio of choices to alliance members.

“As a growing manufacturer of healthcare furniture and a leader in Behavioral Health solutions, we are honored to be awarded this opportunity to provide quality furniture to members of Premier’s alliance of hospitals and health systems,” says Carl Kennedy, President. “We look forward to building a successful and collaborative long-term partnership with Premier based on creating value for their members”.

Members of Premier’s group purchasing organization select vendors they feel offer the highest quality products at the best value. Criteria can vary by category and is designed by members who have subject matter expertise on the product category being reviewed. Criteria includes; quality, safety, clinical impact, cost effectiveness, physician preference, environmental impact, diversity, breakthrough potential and member input.

Proud Sponsor of CHD Webinar Art + Science

This entry was posted in Company on January 12, 2018

On January 25th, The Center for Health Design is hosting a free webinar with 2017 Changemaker Award winner, Dr. Shepley.

Art and Science. In their finest expressions, they are one and the same. We face complex problems and no single approach can provide all the answers. One cannot be a socially responsible designer or scientist without using both intuition and research. This presentation will cite historical and contemporary examples of individuals who support their simultaneous use to achieve creativity. The presentation will include a discussion of the definitions of art and science and the nature of the human mind.

Participants will:

become aware of the relationship between art and science from ancient times to the present.
explore the definitions of art and science.
become exposed to theories regarding the nature of the human mind relative to the debate regarding the meaning of art and science.
evaluate themselves on the spectrum or artistic orientation versus scientific orientation.

More information here.

Stance Healthcare Welcomes Northwest Interior Solutions

This entry was posted in Company on January 11, 2018

Ontario, Canada – Stance Healthcare is pleased to announce the addition of Northwest Interior Solutions manufacturers rep group to the team.

Northwest Interior Solutions will represent Stance Healthcare products in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. Partners, Gordon Ware and Joel London have over 40 years of experience working in the commercial furniture industry and are well-informed of current industry trends and developments.

“The desire to have Gordon and Joel represent Stance Healthcare was their understanding of the commercial furniture industry in the Northwest,” says Craig Gustafson, National Sales Director. “With shared corporate values and an emphasis on excellent customer service, we feel confident that this group will be strong representatives of Stance Healthcare products in the healthcare furniture marketplace”.

This partnership is very exciting for both organizations. It provides Stance Healthcare with a more significant presence in the Northwest, and it provides Northwest Interior Solutions with a broader healthcare furniture offering including specialty products for behavioral health environments.

Stance Healthcare Receives Recognition as a ‘Living Wage’ Employer

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on January 3, 2018

Ontario, Canada – Living Wage Waterloo Region and the Ontario Living Wage Network recently certified Stance Healthcare as a Living Wage employer at the “Champion” level. As the 171^st employer in Ontario to achieve this qualification, Stance Healthcare strongly encourages other companies to join them in this demonstration of commitment to both their employees, and the community.

Stance Healthcare recognizes that providing all employees with at least a living wage is a critical investment in the long–term prosperity of the local economy and fosters a dedicated, skilled, and healthy workforce. A living wage is the hourly wage required to not just cover expenses, but also to support inclusion in community life and recreational activities. The calculation is based on a family of four, consisting of two adults who both work full-time, and two young children. Factors in the calculation include the costs for things like rent, food, transportation, hydro and child care, which is why the living wage varies from one region to the next.

“We are proud to be recognized as a Living Wage employer in the Waterloo Region. As a small business that is family owned and operated, it is deep-rooted in our organizational culture to provide our ‘extended family’ with good quality of life,” says Carl Kennedy, President. “Our employees are our most valuable asset and the success of our business is a direct result of their organizational commitment and ability to prosper.”

Research indicates that employees earning a living wage are more likely to put money back into the community supporting them, are more productive and loyal in the workplace, and are healthier overall.

“Providing a living wage is a win-win for everyone.” says Brian Kennedy, Operations Manager. “In an industry that is accustomed to high turnover, we have loyal and committed employees – many have been with us since the company first opened its doors over 10 years ago.”

To find out more about Living Wages, visit www.ontariolivingwage.caand www.livingwagewr.org.

Employees Help Build Toy Mountain

This entry was posted in Company on December 18, 2017

This year on Giving Tuesday, November 28th, our employees began collecting toys and books for the 2nd year in a row to help build Toy Mountain. The two-week-long drive saw over 100+ toys and books collected for less fortunate children in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Our customer service reps personally filled each of their cars with the donations and delivered them to the local television station, CTV Kitchener, where the toys and books were added to help build Toy Mountain.

Watch the video of Clint and Tracey’s donation on CTV Kitchener:

[VIDEO] Clint and Tracey did a great job on the 6 o'clock news ? last night! They had the opportunity to speak with…

Posted by Stance Healthcare on Friday, December 15, 2017