Healthcare Signage

What every private practice needs to know about CQC signage standards

Whether you’re operating a GP practice, a care home, physiotherapy clinic or mental health hub (to name a few) trust is everything. When it comes to your premises, first impressions shouldn’t be your only priority. Demonstrating your commitment to safety, accessibility and professionalism is vital - that’s where the Care Quality Commission (CQC) comes in.

Signage isn’t just functional, but part of the patient experience, particularly for those who may be vulnerable, have reduced mobility or are neurodivergent.

If you’re registered with the CQC or preparing for your first inspection, this guide will help you break down what the CQC expects from your signage and how you can ensure your practice hits the mark.

What is the CQC?

The CQC regulates all health and social care services in England. As part of their inspections, they assess how services are:

✅Safe

✅Effective

✅Caring

✅Responsive

✅Well-led

The CQC don’t require specific signage requirements, but do inspect whether a healthcare setting meets legal requirements under Health & Safety Regulations.

Your signage can aid compliance in the following areas:

1️⃣ Health & Safety Compliance

You must have clear signage for:

Fire exits and evacuation procedures
First aid points
Hazard warnings (e.g., wet floors, radiation)
Infection control (e.g., hand sanitising stations, PPE usage)

2️⃣ Accessibility & Inclusion

Your signage should be:

In clear, sans-serif fonts, for NHS practices: Frutiger or Arial
High-contrast for visibility
Mounted at appropriate heights for wheelchair users
Supported with braille or tactile elements if possible

3️⃣ Wayfinding and Navigation

Patients should be able to easily find:

Reception
Waiting areas
Treatment rooms
Toilets (including accessible toilets)
Emergency exits
Poor navigation could contribute to anxiety or confusion, particularly in settings such as mental health or paediatric services.

4️⃣ Information and Communication

CQC Exterior Banner Alexandra Nursing & Residential Home Signs Express Sheffield

Regulated services must display:

The CQC rating certificate at all entrances
Patient rights and privacy information
Complaints procedures

Common Pitfalls ❌

Here are some signage issues that could be flagged during your inspection and give you a reduced ranking:

Outdated information: Are your COVID signs still relevant? Are contact details up to date?

Inconsistent branding or messaging: Particularly if you have multiple practitioners operating under one roof.

DIY signage: Printed temporary notices taped to walls won’t meet safety or accessibility standards due to illegibility.

Digital Signage is a great way to display up to date information that can be updated in real time.

Health Digital Signage Internal Digital Signage (2)

Best Practice ✔️

Signs Express works with many healthcare providers to design, manufacture, and install signage tailored for medical settings. Based on our experience, we recommend the following signage types for CQC-registered services:

Wall-mounted directional signs - Help patients find rooms or departments with ease

Window graphics - Add privacy in treatment areas without sacrificing light

Interior Signs - Display your CQC certificate in a professional and durable format

Floor vinyls - Ideal for social distancing markers, directional arrows, or hazard warnings

Illuminated external signage - Improve visibility and emergency response times during low-light conditions

How Signs Express Can Help 🏥

With over 30 years’ experience and a nationwide network of centres, we’ve partnered with hundreds of healthcare providers, from large NHS trusts to independent practices. Our team offers:

☑️Free site surveys and compliance advice

☑️Custom sign design tailored to healthcare standards

☑️Professional installation with minimal disruption

☑️Ongoing support for updates and rebranding

When you're ready to level up your environment, trust the UK's leading sign and graphics specialists.

Ready to review your signage?

Get in touch with your local Signs Express centre for a free signage audit tailored to CQC compliant signage requirements.

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