Waiting areas in hospitals are never empty. Patients sit there, and so do their families, often for hours. That’s why hospital visitor seating is worth a bit of thought. A bench that’s hard, narrow or wobbly makes a long day longer.

This one is built to be simple. Three separate padded seats, so each person has their own space. Padded backs too, which most basic steel benches don’t bother with. The cushions are black, which hides marks better than light colours do.

At each end there’s a curved armrest. It’s a waiting chair with arm support, and older patients tend to use that arm to get up. If your clinic sees a lot of senior citizens, you’ll notice how much that helps.

The legs are curved and spread out wide. That keeps the bench steady when someone sits down quickly at one end. Because the three seats share one frame, you can’t pull one out of line. Cleaning around it is easy as well, since there are only a few legs to mop around.

Where it fits

Most buyers use it in hospital OPD corridors, clinic lobbies, pathology labs and pharmacies. It also works as a 3 seater chair for waiting hall use in banks, schools and offices. One bench along a wall is enough for a small room. Two facing each other fill a small lobby, and you still have space left for a wheelchair to pass.

Before you order

A few things are worth asking any seller, us included:

• What exactly is the frame made of, and how thick is it?
• What is the seat cover, and can it be wiped with disinfectant?
• How much weight can each seat take?
• Does it arrive assembled, or do you put it together?

Get these answers in writing if you’re buying for a hospital. It saves problems later.

Looking after it

Wipe the frame and cushions with a damp cloth. Mild disinfectant is fine. Don’t use harsh solvents on the seat covers, they dry out and crack. Check the bolts now and then. Benches in public areas loosen over time, and a quick tighten stops a wobble before it starts.