Morgan Informs

A Picture of Health.

Despite the economic downturn, one area of spending that consumers are not cutting back on is Private Medical Insurance (PMI). In fact, recent research from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) highlights that PMI is on the increase with around 7.3 million Britons holding private health policies in 2008; a growth of 2.7% on the previous year.

BUPA, the UK’s largest private health insurer, concurs with these figures and reports that their own private research shows that people are more likely to cut back on holidays, eating out, pensions and other long-term investments than they are on PMI.

Why? The NHS target of 18 weeks for waiting lists is considered still too long by most people (8 out of 10) and hospital cleanliness and associated risks of superbugs are another key concern.

Fear is a powerful motivator, but if the growth in PMI is considered alongside the increase in gym memberships and the general growth of the spa & leisure industry then perhaps a more positive spin is that greater numbers of people are taking charge of their health and wellbeing.

With their finger on the cultural pulse, BUPA is one of many organisations aiming to capitalise on this growth with their new generation of wellness centres, the first of which opened in Solihull in April 2009. The new centre embodies the ethos of ‘prevention is better than cure’ with a wide range of health assessments to detect early signs of illness, plus other services including exercise and fitness programmes, dentistry and non-surgical treatments.

BUPA Flagship Centre in Solihull.

At a cost of around £4m, the newly built facility is a landmark project as it provides the blueprint for all future centres planned for roll-out across the UK. Spread over two floors, it houses 24 consulting and treatment rooms, its own laboratories and dental and radiology suites. It is staffed by a team of doctors and therapists able to treat more than 5,000 people a year from across the Midlands.

Designed by Davies + Baron and equipped throughout with selected pieces from Morgan Furniture, the centre offers a range of services to improve general health and wellbeing in state-of-the-art, comfortable and contemporary surroundings.

A conventional façade gives way to a glamorous interior that has a distinctly Californian feel. This theme is reflected in the furniture. Ribb high back sofas in the waiting area lend a 5star welcome along with matching Ribb armchairs and Verona corner sofa units.

A mix of fabric colours and textures provide interest and comfort, while metal legs add a visual lightness that also contributes to the overall contemporary design scheme. Ribb products also furnish the Premium Lounge area, some of which have been specially adapted throughout with a 30mm higher seat cushion in order to meet healthcare requirements.

The Chevy chair with its pleasing curves and hint of fifties style takes pride of place as the patient’s chair in the treatment rooms. Finished in a range of colours including fresh apple green fabric, this chair was specially adapted by Morgan with a cantilever base.

Diva low back dining chairs, with and without arms, were supplied for the kitchen and staff areas. Elegant and fully upholstered, this product was also specially adapted by Morgan to be ADA compliant without the usual cut-out to the back of the chair.

David Davies of Davies + Baron comments, “Morgan were an ideal partner as they produce high quality furniture that is fit for purpose for a medical centre but which, at the same time, has the contemporary design flair that you would expect to find in a chic hotel.”

Work has also started on London’s Cromwell Hospital, where Morgan has supplied chairs from one of their latest collections – the Seville winged arm chair.

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