Should hospitals have separate seating areas for bariatric patients?

39.5% – Yes, the bariatric population needs to be catered to in public places

60.5% – No, special seating may embarrass bariatric patients

COMMENTS

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I do not think it is an embarrasment problem. I feel we are enabling an unhealthy life style. And I feel we are opening ourselves to discrimination suits especially in regards to smokers. Who we do not design for.

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Flexible seating options should be provided, but this population should not be segregated into a separate area.

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Our experience is that a semi-separate waiting function for bariatric patients is appreciated.

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Waiting room furniture should be purchased with obese patients in mind. The unfortunate issue is the price of the furniture. Obesity should be consider under ADA and healthcare facilities should be required to provide for the obese patient by having furniture in their public areas that will accomidate weighs of at least 500 pounds