Universal design versus raising the level of accessibility of hospital facilities

The contemporary architectural discourse puts an increasing emphasis on meeting the needs and expectations of persons with disabilities. Poland has been obliged to implement the regulations included in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in order to provide all the citizens with the highest standards and unlimited access to health care services. Thus it is necessary to answer the question of how to design buildings and medical services so that they follow the principles included in Art.25 of the Convention. Complex restructuring which covers the needs of all hospital users could become a crucial activity in developing a novel approach and setting new directions for the changes in the design and building of health care facilities.