In 2023, Fathom created a new wayfinding and signage system for St. Martha’s Regional Hospital (SMRH) in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The entire healthcare campus fell under the scope of the work, including a master plan for the main hospital building and wellness centre (both new and old wings), as well as the exteriors, walkways and parking areas. Much of our work was in standardizing and augmenting the wayfinding and signage strategy as St. Martha’s had multiple eras of signage and lacked a standard for permanent and temporary signage.

Our brief was a bottom-up redesign compliant with NSHA’s guidelines. This was balanced with the need for a flexible and modular design that could support change over time. The goals for this project were to simplify hospital navigation, reduce staff responsibilities and empower visitors to find their own way wherever possible. We incorporated accessible and universal design principles, as well as inclusive messaging and symbols.

We began with an audit of the site to identify its inventory and note the wayfinding challenges facing St. Martha’s staff, patients, and visitors. This project required more than 1200 signs, many of them filling previous gaps in the hospital’s navigation system. St. Martha’s required new sign types, adherence to NSHA standards, and creative solutions to problems like low ceilings, multiple reception points, and diversity of existing signage.

Status

Design - 2023

Our Role

Wayfinding Design

Client

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Location

Antigonish, Nova Scotia