AZ Sint-Blasius launches new website
When AZ Sint-Blasius approached us, they faced a specific challenge: creating a user-friendly website focused on accessibility, structure, and performance. We were honored to tackle this challenge, resulting in a product we are both proud of.
A professional, clear website is crucial for a major healthcare institution like AZ Sint-Blasius. Improved structure and high usability are essential for the Dendermonde hospital. The new website needed to be easy for visitors and patients to navigate, allowing them to find their way or get answers quickly.
The new website reflects the professionalism and quality care that AZ Sint-Blasius stands for.
Patient-Centered Approach
The hospital aims for optimal patient-friendliness in all aspects of care and services. The goal is to align the website as much as possible with the needs and wishes of patients and citizens.
They use various criteria to assess patient-centeredness, one of which is the VIP2 standard from the Flemish Patients’ Platform. This standard, commissioned by the Flemish government, includes criteria to make healthcare websites accessible and patient-friendly.
Some examples of these criteria are:
- Information should be accessible within a maximum of three clicks.
- Clear display on mobile devices.
- Advanced search functionality.
The website also provides practical information, such as accessibility and parking facilities, which were given ample attention during development.
In addition to meeting various quality standards, the hospital also evaluates their website with a panel of citizens, optimizing it for patients, caregivers, and volunteers in the healthcare sector.
Paddle as Partner and Think Tank
At Paddle, we build websites using the Paddle CMS Platform, which includes various modules specifically developed for hospitals. But that's not all we do. We also assist our clients in finding solutions. Sometimes organizations know they need something but are unclear on the specifics. They might have a proposal or idea, but the concrete implementation isn't immediately apparent.
AZ Sint-Blasius focuses on innovation, testing digitalization ideas with us.
We collaborated on:
- The best solution for integrating external applications.
- Blasius Academy: informational sessions and educational initiatives for patients and their families.
- Displaying the hospital magazine on the website.
We acted as a think tank, providing advice while considering the hospital's needs. This close collaboration resulted in functional and practical solutions that are easy to use for both staff and visitors.
We felt a great sense of involvement with Paddle. The project manager collaborated with us, advocating for our interests as a true partner. Dedication, transparency, and partnership were always central.
Dominique Potteau
Communications Manager, AZ Sint-Blasius
Kick-Off: Analysis & Card Sorting
Our project began with a thorough analysis of the hospital's needs. The site had to be modern and streamlined, containing only what the organization needed without unnecessary frills.
The website needed to align better with internal operations and be clear for visitors. With our CMS, staff can better manage and update the website without technical or programming knowledge.
We first surveyed visitors to understand what they find important and relevant when visiting AZ Sint-Blasius's website.
Through a card sorting session, we gained insight into the expected structure and information hierarchy, leading to the identification of top tasks. For AZ Sint-Blasius, these were ‘Find a doctor or service,’ ‘Make an appointment,’ and ‘Financial info,’ which were given prominent placement on the homepage. This ensured a website that is intuitive, user-friendly, and easy to navigate.
Design
Using the gathered insights, we began the design process. We focused on a clear, modern look that inspires trust in visitors and reflects AZ Sint-Blasius's core values: transparency, quality, and responsibility.
Our graphic team worked on proposals for the homepage and several landing pages, followed by multiple feedback rounds to refine the design until consensus was reached. At AZ Sint-Blasius, everyone had ample input: specialist doctors, managers, and staff. We refined our design until everyone was 100% satisfied.
Responsive design
The website features a responsive design with a mobile-first Content Management System. This means the pages of the AZ Sint-Blasius website adapt optimally to the device being used.
At Paddle, we provide technical solutions tailored to all screen sizes and browsers, ensuring smooth functionality that is thoroughly tested. This approach allows visitors to easily access the website via computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Accessibility for everyone
Accessibility is paramount for a healthcare institution. All visitors should be able to navigate the website, even those with disabilities or limited digital skills.
Our design process naturally includes considerations for accessibility and compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Some features that make the AZ Sint-Blasius site accessible:
- High contrast colors for visitors with visual impairments.
- All images have ALT text or alternative descriptions.
- No auto-playing videos, bright colors, flashes, or moving carousels.
Building
During the building phase, it was crucial for us to strictly follow the mentioned quality standards and accessibility requirements. We have an extensive list of modules specifically tailored for hospitals, which we configure meticulously. With our expertise and close collaboration with the client, we delivered a website that met all requirements.
After the structural and technical configuration of the website, the Blasius team filled in the new pages with content. They received clear guidelines and close support from the project manager, along with specific tips on web content to ensure high readability and SEO friendliness for the hospital website.
Project management
Throughout the project, we worked closely with representatives from AZ Sint-Blasius Hospital. Our project management ensured smooth communication, clear feedback rounds, and a streamlined process, with one project manager as the central point of contact. This resulted in timely delivery within the set budget.
A central point of contact is a significant advantage. The project manager efficiently supported us throughout the process.
Dominique Potteau, Communications Manager, AZ Sint-Blasius
We are proud of the final result and the positive feedback from the AZ Sint-Blasius team. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, user-friendly, and accessible websites for all our clients.
We look forward to future projects with AZ Sint-Blasius and other healthcare institutions seeking impactful digital solutions.
A successful collaboration comes from both sides. I am not only proud of the partnership with Paddle but also of our communication team's efforts. They worked tirelessly to get this website up and running.
Dominique Potteau, Communications Manager, AZ Sint-Blasius
Celebratory Cupcakes
To celebrate the launch of their brand-new website, the Blasius team enjoyed delicious themed Paddle cupcakes.
Paddle’s experience in the healthcare sector
Paddle has extensive experience with websites for the healthcare sector, having built websites for:
