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Part B – Health Facility Briefing & Design

110 Inpatient Unit - General

International Health Facility Guidelines

Version 5, September 2022
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design Inpatient Unit - General

Contents

110 Inpatient Unit - General..........................................................................................3

1 Introduction.................................................................................................................... 3
Description...................................................................................................................... 3
2 Functional and Planning Considerations...............................................................................4
Models of Care................................................................................................................... 4
Levels of Care.................................................................................................................... 4
Bed Numbers and Supporting Components...............................................................................4
Unit Planning Geometric Options............................................................................................ 7
Functional Areas.............................................................................................................. 16
Functional Relationships..................................................................................................... 17
Functional Relationships Diagram.......................................................................................... 19
3 Design Considerations.................................................................................................... 20
Environmental Considerations............................................................................................ 20
Space Standards and Components........................................................................................ 21
Infection Control............................................................................................................... 25
Safety and Security............................................................................................................ 26
Finishes......................................................................................................................... 26
Fittings, Fixtures & Equipment.............................................................................................. 27
Building Services Requirements............................................................................................27
4 Standard Components of the Unit......................................................................................29
Standard Components...................................................................................................... 29
5 Schedule Of Equipment (SOE)...........................................................................................30
6 Schedule of Accommodation............................................................................................. 31
Super VIP Suite (Optional)................................................................................................. 36
7 References and Further Reading........................................................................................ 38
8 Appendix I Inpatient Unit - General, 30 Bed Unit, All Single Beds (RDL 3 to 6)..........................39
9 Appendix II Inpatient Unit - General, 30 Bed Unit, Single and Shared Beds (RDL 3 to 6).............40
10 Appendix III Inpatient Unit - General, 15 Bed Unit (RDL 3 to 6)................................................41
11 Appendix IV Inpatient Unit - General, Optional Shared Components (RDL 3 to 6).......................42

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110 Inpatient Unit - General

1 Introduction

The prime function of the Inpatient Unit is to provide appropriate accommodation for the delivery of
health care services including diagnosis, care, and treatment to inpatients.
The Unit must also provide facilities and conditions to meet the needs of patients and visitors as well as
the workplace requirements of staff.
Description
The Inpatient Unit is for general medical and surgical patients. An inpatient is someone who spends more
than 24 hours in a health care facility.
This Functional Planning Unit (FPU) covers the requirements of a general Inpatient Accommodation unit.
This unit is sometimes referred to as a “Ward”, “Nursing Unit” , “Inpatient Department” (IPD) or
“Inpatient Unit” (IPU). Inpatient Unit is for the overnight care of patients.
A common definition of this Unit is accommodation for patients over 24 hours or more, which involves
overnight stary. However, nothing in the description or design of this unit prevents patients from staying
for less than 24 hours or being discharged without overnight stay.
The Inpatient Unit General is suitable for a wide variety of patients and treatment types including Medical
and Surgical patients. In larger health facilities this Unit may be further specialised for cardiology,
neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, orthopaedic surgery, gynaecology, and a variety of other specialties.
The unit’s fundamental provisions, however will remain the same. Patients awaiting placement elsewhere
may also be accommodated in this type of Unit.
The same provisions as Inpatient Unit General also apply to Inpatient Units for Paediatrics and
Rehabilitation. However, some additional provisions are necessary as outlined separately in this FPU.
More specialised units for Maternity and Bariatrics have separate FPU’s which are also included in these
Guidelines. The basic requirements of the more specialised units are the same as the Inpatient Unit
General but with additional facilities such as Nursery for Maternity and Gym for Rehabilitation.
Therefore, a thorough understanding of the Inpatient Unit General, its typical models of planning and the
Standard Components required will assist in the preparation of other specialised unit types, even if they are
not explicitly included in these Guidelines.
The typical “efficient” Inpatient unit is defined as 30 beds (± 2) with the minimum support spaces and
human resources required. Up to another half unit (eg 15 beds) may be directly attached to a full 30 bed (±
2) General Inpatient Unit to create a larger 45 bed unit (± 2) under the same unit management. For these
additional beds several supplementary support rooms should be provided as indicated in these guidelines.
There are several fundamental planning geometries which are used for the design of Inpatient Units (of all
types). These have been shown as Functional Relationship Diagrams, indicating the planning principles and
preferred relationship of the components. The concept of Swing Beds is defined as a flexible management
practice and shown in the diagrams for the planning models. Swing beds are a collection of rooms shared
between two adjoining Inpatient Units, allowing for the fluctuation of bed numbers. This is achieved by
increasing the number of beds in one unit and decreasing in the adjacent unit. The provision of the
additional 15 bed extension mentioned above can be used in conjunction with the Swing Bed design
strategy.
The typical unit Schedule of Accommodation is provided using Standard Components (typical room
templates) and quantities for a standard 30 bed unit as well as an optional 15 bed extension. The details of
this FPU follow overleaf.

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2 Functional and Planning Considerations

Models of Care
Models of Care for an Inpatient Unit may vary dependent upon the patients’ acuity and numbers of, and
skill level of the nursing staff available.

Examples of the models of care that could be implemented include:

 Patient allocation
 Task assignment
 Team nursing
 Case management
 multi-disciplinary care (comprehensive range of generalist services by multidisciplinary teams that
include not only GPs and nurses but also allied health professionals and other health workers) or
 a combination of the above.

The physical environment should permit of a range of models of care to be implemented, allowing
flexibility for future changes and efficiency gains.
Levels of Care
The levels of care range from acute nursing and specialist care (high dependency), with a progression to
intermediate care, to non-acute care prior to discharge or transfer.

Patients requiring 24-hour medical intervention or cover are generally not nursed or managed within the
Inpatient Unit General. Such patients are typically referred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or a step-down
ICU referred to as High Dependency Care (HDU). For ICU and HDU, refer to the Intensive Care FPU
within these guidelines.
Bed Numbers and Supporting Components
Each Inpatient Unit may contain up to 30 patient beds (±2) and shall have Bedroom accommodation
complying with the Standard Components included in the Schedule of Accommodation (SOA) in this
FPU.

Additional beds up to 15, as a direct extension of a standard 30 bed (±2) are permitted with additional small
sized support facilities for example 1 extra Sub Clean Utility, Sub Dirty Utility and storage. The minimum
provisions for the 15-bed extension are provided as part of the Schedule of Accommodation (SOA) in this
FPU.

Any extension beyond 15 additional beds will be regarded as a separate unit requiring the full set of
support rooms as per the Schedule of Accommodation (SOA) in this FPU.

The preferred maximum number of beds in an Inpatient Unit customised as Maternity or Paediatric Units is
25 to 27 beds. This is due to the need for additional facilities such as indoor play areas (for Paediatrics) and
General Care Nursery (for Maternity).

A minimum of 50% of the total bed complement shall be provided as Single Bedrooms in an Inpatient
Unit used for overnight stay. However, it is recommended to increase the number of single bedrooms to a
minimum of 80% of total bed count as the current trend is to provide a greater proportion of single bed
rooms largely for infection control and privacy reasons.

If the provision of a large number of single bedrooms is not possible (for example due to costs), then the
best recommendation is to provide the shared bedrooms in a 2-bed configuration. This permits most of the
2-bed rooms to be used by a single patient until the occupancy level of the hospital demands urgently
require to use of the second bed in the room.

Larger shared rooms, up to 4 and 6 beds are available through the IHFG Standard Components and are
permitted with the consent of the local Health Authority but are not recommended by IHFG in the long
term.

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Swing Beds
For flexibility and added options for utilisation it may be desirable to include provisions for Swing Beds.
This may be a single bed or a group of beds that may be quickly converted from one category of use to
another. An example might be long-stay beds which may be temporarily used as acute beds at a time of
high occupancy. Other examples may include a group of shared beds located between two adjoining
Inpatient Units which may experience fluctuating utilisation rates.

At any given time, swing beds are part of an Inpatient Unit in terms of the total number of beds and the
supporting components of the units whilst taking advantage of the additional 15 bed extension when
required. Three typical permutations of Swing Beds are shown below:

Example 1 – 3 full units back-to-back

Example 2 – Two full units and intermediate 15 bed swing bed unit

Example 3 – Two half units sharing a swing bed half unit

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Facility design for swing beds often enabled by adding wide doors within the connecting corridor. These
doors may be closed or held-open depending on the swing bed numbers required on one side or the other.

By closing one set of doors whilst opening all other doors, the swing bedrooms may be shifted from one
Unit to the adjoining Unit. This technique will also require provision for switching patient/ nurse call
operation from the Staff Station in one Unit to the other Unit. Security aspects of this arrangement should
also be considered, for example in situations where access control is preferred between the Units.

The diagram below shows the typical configuration of swing beds.

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Unit Planning Geometric Options

There are several common and acceptable planning models for Inpatient Units. Most plans can be
categorised and diagrammatically reduced to one of the following geometric forms which are named for
convenience. Each model has its own potential, and should be studied thoroughly along with the particular
local conditions to achieve the best results. The planning options include the following:

Linear Single corridor configuration. Patient and

support rooms are clustered along a single
1 corridor.

Racetrack Double corridor configuration. Patient

rooms are located on the external aspects
2 of the unit and support rooms are clustered
in the central areas in a racetrack
configuration.

L shaped Single corridor configuration. A variation

of the linear model where two linear wings
3 are joined at 90 degrees to create the “L”
shape.

T shaped Single corridor configuration. A variation

of the linear model, where two linear
4 wings intersect to create a “T” shape.

Hybrid T Combination of the Racetrack model and T

model. The entrance wing has a racetrack
5 configuration with support services in the
centre. This splits into two wings at 90
degrees to form a “T” shape.

+ shaped Single corridor configuration. A variation

of the linear model, where two linear
6 wings intersect approximately in the centre
to create a “+” shape.

Sample functional relationship diagrams of each of the above planning models are provided below.

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Linear (single corridor) Model 1a

Linear (single corridor) Model 1b

Racetrack (double corridor) Model 2a

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Racetrack (double corridor) Model 2b

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L shaped Corridor Model 3

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T shaped Corridor Model 4

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Hybrid T shaped Corridor Model 5

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Cruciform Corridor Model 6

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Bed Configurations
In the above diagrams, the number and type of the patient bedrooms are symbolic. In actual
design the recommended efficient bed number per unit is 30 (±2).
The bedroom types may be:
 Single bedrooms
 2-bed rooms
 4-bed rooms
 6-bed rooms
However, iHFG recommends only the use of single and 2-bed rooms for new facilities, when this is
possible and affordable.

The Ensuite (means attached) Bathrooms are also optional. These can be according to one of the following
permutations:

Back-to-Back rooms may be handed or mirrored.

Mirrored configuration is most common due to the sharing of services risers.
If standardisation of the patient bed heads is preferred by the operators, this can be achieved even as the
room itself is mirrored. This, however is not mandatory.

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Functional Areas
The Inpatient Accommodation Unit comprises the following Functional Areas or zones:
 Entry/ Reception area (may be a shared area or provided at the Main Entry) with
- Reception desk, (optional)
- Visitors Lounge, can be shared between 2 Units
- Interview Room
- Gowning for Staff and Visitors (optional)
 Patient Areas - areas where patients are accommodated, or facilities specifically serve patients
including:
- Bedrooms
- Ensuites
- Patient Lounge
- Patient Laundry for specialist Units
 Support Areas that support the functions of the unit including:
- Beverage Bay or Pantry
- Bays for handwashing, linen, meal trolleys, resus trolley, mobile equipment etc.
- Cleaner’s room
- Clean and Dirty Utility rooms
- Stores for equipment and general stock
 Staff Areas - areas accessed by staff, comprising:
- Staff Station and Office for Clinical Handover
- Offices for administration
 Shared Areas - public and clinical areas that may be shared by two or more Inpatient Units
including:
- Bathroom
- Visitor Lounge
- Public Amentities
- Staff Amenities with Staff Room, Toilets and Locker areas
- Treatment Room, according to service demand

These Functional Areas are briefly explained below.

Entry/ Reception Area
The Reception is the receiving hub of the unit and may be used to control the security of the Unit. A
Waiting Lounge for visitors may be provided with access to separate male/female toilet facilities and
prayer rooms (when provided). Depending on the regional and cultural requirements, gender separated
waiting area may be required. Waiting areas may be shared between 2 or 3 Inpatient Units if they are
located adjacent to each other. If immediately adjacent to the Unit, visitor and staff gowning and protective
equipment may also be located here for infection control during ward isolation.
Patient Areas
Patient Areas include:
 Bedrooms: bedrooms may be provided in 1, 2, 4 or 6 bedrooms. Rooms with more than 6 beds are not
recommended A typical Unit will include a combination of rooms with different number of beds based
on the operational policy of the facility. In modern day hospitals, single rooms, or shared rooms with 2
beds are recommended. In hospital where bedrooms are with either a single bed or two beds, a room
for 2 beds may be used to accommodate a single bed when the Unit has not reached maximum
occupancy. When occupancy increases, an additional bed can be added to all rooms designed for 2
beds to reach maximum occupancy. Managing bed allocation this way combines maximum patient
privacy with economy
 In a single Inpatient Unit, it is commonly comprised of a variety of patient rooms - standard rooms,
isolation rooms, bariatric rooms and may even include VIP rooms. Gender segregation of rooms or
by Unit is subject to the Operation Model of the Hospital.

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 Ensuites; an ensuite to be provided for each 1-bed or 2-bed rooms and to include a shower, WC and a
hand wash basin. For 4-bed and 6-bed rooms, there must be at least one WC and one shower per room.
If WC and shower are provided in two separate rooms, each must also include a hand wash basin. An
ensuite cannot be shared between two separate rooms.
 Lounge areas: may be optional if all rooms in the Unit are single. In a Unit with beds in a shared
room, lounge areas should be provided.
 On-ward gym: depending on the operational policy of the hospital, on-ward gyms may be provided
for immediate post-surgery rehabilitation in preference to transfer to (or in addition to) a central gym.
These rooms may also be configured as multi-purpose rooms and used for a variety of purposes
including ad-hoc meeting or patient education.
All Patient areas are to comply with Standard Components in these Guidelines.
Other Inpatient Units with specific clinical specialties are also available in these Guidelines. They include
Bariatric, Long-Term Care (LTC), Mental Health, Paediatric and Rehabilitation. These can be found in Part
B - Functional Planning Units.
Support Areas
Support Areas include:
 Handwashing, Linen, and Equipment bays
 Clean Utility, Dirty Utility and Disposal Rooms
 Beverage Bays and Pantries
 Meeting Room/s and Interview rooms for education sessions, interviews with staff, patients and
families and other meetings
Staff Areas
Staff Areas consist of:
 Offices and workstations
 Staff Room
 Staff Station and clinical handover room
 Toilets, Showers and Lockers

Offices and workstations are required for administrative as well as clinical functions to facilitate
educational/ research activities.
Staff Areas, particularly Staff Rooms, Toilets, Showers and Lockers may be shared with adjacent Units as
far as possible.
Shared Areas
In addition to the shared Staff areas above, Shared Areas include:
 Patient Bathroom (assisted)
 Treatment Room
 Public Toilets
 Visitor Lounge
 Family Visiting Room (if culturally required)
 Some of the Staff Areas
Shared Areas is possible between more than one Units if they are sized to meet the needs of the Units they
serve.
Functional Relationships
The Inpatient Unit is a key functional component of the hospital, connected with many clinical and
operational support units. Correct functional relationships promote delivery of services that are efficient in
terms of management, cost and human resources.

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External
Principal relationships with other Units include:
 Ready access to diagnostic facilities such as Medical Imaging
 Ready access from the Emergency Unit
 Ready access to Critical Care Units (ICU and CCU)
 Ready access to Clinical Laboratories and Pharmacy (possible use of Pneumatic Tube System)
 Ready access to Material Management, Housekeeping and Catering Units
 Inpatient Surgical Units require ready access to Operating/ Day Procedures Units.
Principal relationships with public areas include:
 Easy access from the Main Entrance of a facility
 Easy access to public amenities
 Easy access to parking for visitors
 Principal relationships with Staff Areas
 Ready access to staff amenities which may be shared by multiple Units in a central location

Note: Inpatient Units must not be located so that access to one Unit is via another Unit with the Swing Bed
components being the only exception.
Internal
Optimum internal relationships include:
 Patient occupied areas as the core of the unit
 The Staff Station and associated areas need direct access and observation of Patient Area corridors
 Utility and storage areas need ready access to both patient and staff work areas
 Public Areas should be on the outer edge of the Unit
 Shared Areas should be easily accessible from the Units served without passing through another
Unit

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Functional Relationships Diagram

The functional relationships of a typical Inpatient Unit in the Racetrack Model are demonstrated in the
diagram below. Other Models must also consider the same relationships but implemented in different ways.

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Important and desirable external relationships outlined in the diagram include:

 Clear Goods/Service/Staff Entrance
- Access to/ from key clinical units associated with patient arrivals/ transfers via service
corridor
- Access to/ from key diagnositc facilities via service corridor
- Entry for staff via the public or service corridor
- Access to shared staff break and property areas via service corridor
- Acces to/ from Materials, Catering and Housekeeping Units via service corridor
 Clear Public Entrance
- Entry for ambulant patients and visitors directly from dedicated lift and public corridor
- Access to / from key public areas, such as the main entrance, parking and cafeteria from the
public corridor and lift
Important and desirable internal relationships outlined in the diagram include:
 Bed Room(s) on the perimeter arranged in a racetrack model (other Planning Models
described in this FPU are also suitable)
 Isolation Room is located close to the Bed/ Service Lift without having to cross-over other patient
rooms
 Staff Station is centralised for maximum patient visibility and access
 Clinical support areas located close to Staff Station(s) and centralised for ease of staff access
 Administrative areas located at the Unit entry and adjacent to Staff Station
 The Patient Lounge located close to the Unit entry allowing relatives to visit patients without
traversing the entire Unit
 Reception located at Unit entry for control over entry corridor
 Personal Protective Equipment Bays located at entry for both Staff and Visitors for infection control
during ward isolation

3 Design Considerations
Refer to Part C for – Access, Mobility and OH&S, Part D for Infection Control, and Part E for
Engineering requirements.
Environmental Considerations
Acoustics
The Inpatient Unit should be designed to minimise the ambient noise level within the unit and
transmission of sound between patient areas, staff areas and public areas. Consideration should be given to
the location of noisy areas or activity, preferably placing them away from quiet areas including patient
bedrooms.
Acoustic treatment is required to the following:
 Patient bedrooms
 Interview and meeting rooms
 Treatment rooms
 Staff rooms
 Toilets and showers
Natural Light
The use of natural light should be maximised throughout the Unit. Windows are an important aspect of
sensory orientation and psychological well-being of patients. All bedrooms must have a window providing
natural light. Natural light is desirable in Inpatient areas such as lounge rooms Windows should provide an
open and pleasant outlook, preferably to a landscape area is highly desirable.

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Bedrooms may be configured with windows surrounding an internal courtyard (open to the sky) where
natural light penetrates. It is also possible to have bedrooms facing an internal multi-storey atrium if it is
filled with natural light. In both arrangements, care must be taken to prevent privacy issues.
Privacy
The design of the Inpatient Unit needs to consider the contradictory requirement for staff visibility of
patients while maintaining patient privacy. Unit design and location of staff stations offer varying degrees
of visibility and privacy. The patient acuity including high dependency, elderly or intermediate care is a
major influence.
Each bed in both single bedroom and shared bedrooms must be provided with bed screens to ensure
privacy of the patients undergoing treatment. Bed screens can either surround the bed providing sufficient
clearances between the bed and the screens or they can be located closer to the entry door of the bedroom.
Refer to the Standard Components in these Guidelines for examples.
Other factors for consideration include:
 Use of windows in internal walls and/or doors, provision of privacy blinds
 Location of beds that may affect direct staff visibility
 Location of sanitary facilities to provide privacy for patients while not preventing observation by
staff
 Location of external/ internal courtyards or atrium facing bedroom windows to prevent others from
looking into the bedrooms
Space Standards and Components
Room Capacity and Dimensions
Maximum room capacity is six patients in a room. It is recommended that all patient rooms should be
single or with 2 beds in new facilities. Although 4-bed rooms and 6-bed rooms are permitted but they are
not recommended and should be avoided.
Minimum dimensions, excluding such items as ensuites, built-in robes, alcoves, entrance lobbies and floor
mounted mechanical equipment shall be as follows:
ROOM TYPE WIDTH LENGTH
Single Bedroom 4200 mm 3600 mm
Two Bedroom 4200 mm 6400 mm
Four Bedroom 8400 mm 6400 mm
Six Bedroom 8400 mm 8950 mm

Depending on the operational policy, patient bedrooms may be equipped with comfortable
furniture for one or two family members/ carers without interfering staff member access to
patients.
Minimum room dimensions are based on overall bed dimensions (buffer to buffer) of 2250 mm long x
1050 mm wide. Minor encroachments including columns and hand basins that do not interfere with
functions may be ignored when determining space requirements.
Bed Spacing/ Clearances
Bed dimensions become a critical consideration in ascertaining final room sizes. The dimensions noted in
these Guidelines are intended as minimums and do not prohibit the use of larger rooms where required.
The design and arrangement of all patient beds, in relation to fittings, furniture, mechanical and electrical
services, and staff call systems, must comply with the standard components as well as the clearances that
they imply.

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Refer to the diagrams below for required clearances. These are intended to indicate the clearance around
beds and are not design suggestions of the room.
Typical Single Bedrooms
In single bedrooms there shall be a minimum clearance of 900mm (1200mm recommended) to both sides of
the bed and a clearance of 1200 mm available at the foot of the bed to allow for easy movement of
equipment and beds.
The clearance required around a bed in a single room is represented diagrammatically below:

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Typical 2 Bedrooms
In 2-bed rooms, the minimum distance between beds shall be 900 mm to each side of each bed and
1200mm at the foot of each bed and between the side of a bed and a wall; the distance between bed
centrelines must not be less than 2900 mm.
Paediatric bedrooms that contain cots may have reduced bed centres, but consideration must be given to the
spatial needs of visiting relatives. To allow for more flexible use of the room the above clearances are still
recommended. Consider allowing additional floor area within the room for the children to play.
The clearance required around beds is represented diagrammatically below:

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Multiple Bed Bays

In multiple-bed bays, the minimum distance between beds shall be 900 mm to each side of each
bed.1200mm clearance shall be provided at the foot of the bed and between the side of a bed and a wall; the
distance between bed centrelines should not be less than 2900 mm.
The clearance required around beds in multiple-bed areas is represented diagrammatically below:

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Bariatric Patient Facilities

In each Inpatient Unit provide facilities for bariatric patients according to the facility Operational Policy.
Provisions include:
 Large single Bedroom: Bedrooms require additional space for a bariatric bed and lifter access
 Large single Ensuite, with access door to permit lifter access with staff assisting patient
transfers
Refer to Inpatient Unit - Bariatric in these Guidelines for specific additional requirements. All
fixtures and fittings for bariatric patients need to accommodate up to 350 kg weight.
Ceiling suspended lifting system may be considered between the Bedroom bed area and the adjacent
Ensuite.
Accessibility
Bedrooms and Ensuites should be provided with full accessibility compliance to applicable standards
(regional and international); the quantity of accessible rooms could be determined by the service plan or
comply to any applicable standards. Accessible bedrooms and ensuites should enable normal activity for
wheelchair dependant patients, as opposed to patients who are in a wheelchair because of their
hospitalisation.
Doors
Door openings to inpatient bedrooms must have a minimum of 1350mm clear opening (although 1400mm
is recommended) to allow for easy movement of beds and equipment.
Infection Control
Hand Basins
Handwashing facilities are to be provided in corridors, patient bedrooms, and other rooms as specified in
the Standard Components in these Guidelines.
Handwashing facilities shall not impact on minimum clear corridor widths.
At least one handwashing bay is to be conveniently accessible to the Staff Station.
Hand basins are to comply with Standard Components - Bay - Handwashing and Part D of these
Guidelines.
Hand Basins in patient bedrooms are provided for the exclusive use by staff for infection control
considerations. Hand basins are available in the ensuites for patients and their visitors which shall not be
used by Staff.
Antiseptic Hand Sanitisers
Antiseptic hand sanitisers should be provided in areas where they can be used frequently, such as at points
of care, nearby patient beds, and in high-traffic areas. The placement of antiseptic hand sanitisers should
be consistent and reliable throughout facilities.
Antiseptic Hand Sanitisers are always welcome and useful, but they shall be provided in addition to Hand
Wash Bays and not as a substitute.
Antiseptic hand sanitisers are to comply with Part D in these Guidelines.
Isolation Rooms
Isolation Rooms can only accommodate 1 patient bed per room. At least one 'Class N’ (Negative Pressure)
Isolation Room shall be provided for each 30 beds in facilities of RDL (Role Delineation Level) and above.
These beds in isolation rooms may be used for normal acute care when not required for isolation.
According to the Hospital's Clinical Service Plan or the recommendation of the Infection Control officers,
additional 'Class P' (Positive Pressure) may be provided.
Refer to Part D – Infection Control in these Guidelines.

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Safety and Security

An Inpatient Unit shall provide a safe and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors, while
remaining a non-threatening and supportive atmosphere conducive to recovery.
The facility, furniture, fittings and equipment must be designed and constructed in such a way that all users
of the facility are not exposed to avoidable risks of injury.
Security issues are important due to the increasing prevalence of violence and theft in health care facilities.
The arrangement of spaces and zones shall offer a high standard of security through the grouping of like
functions, control over access and egress from the Unit and the provision of optimum observation for staff.
The level of observation and visibility has security implications.
Refer also to Part C in these Guidelines.
Drug Storage
Drugs prescribed at the hospital must not be stored in the patient bedrooms. Each Inpatient
Accommodation Unit shall have a dedicated lockable storage room with restricted staff access. This room
could either be a Clean Utility room incorporating medication storage or in a stand- alone Medication
Room.
In both scenarios, the room must contain:
 Benches and shelving
 Lockable cupboards for the manual storage of restricted substances or provision of an
automated Medication Management Systems
 A lockable steel cabinet for the storage of drugs of addiction
 A refrigerator, as required; to store restricted substances, it must be lockable or housed within a
lockable storage area
 Controlled access by staff only with CCTV surveillance camera/s
 Space for a medication trolley.
Note: Storage for dangerous and controlled drugs must be in accordance with the relevant legislation and
not stored in a patient bedroom.
Finishes
Finishes including fabrics, floor, wall and ceiling finishes, should be relaxing and non-institutional as far
as possible. The following factors should be considered in the selection of finishes:
 acoustic properties
 durability
 ease of cleaning
 infection control
 fire safety
 movement of equipment.
In areas where clinical observation is critical such as bedrooms and treatment areas, lighting and colour
selected must not impede the accurate assessment of skin tones.
Walls to be painted with lead free paint and wall protection shall be provided where bed and trolley
movement occurs such as corridors, patients’ bedrooms, equipment and linen storage, and treatment areas.
Refer to Part C of these Guidelines.

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Fittings, Fixtures & Equipment

Bed Screens
In both single and multiple-bed rooms, visual privacy (bed screens) from casual observation by other
patients and visitors shall be provided for each patient. The design for privacy shall not restrict patient
access to the entrance, toilet or shower. The same should also be considered in single rooms. Bed screens
must be cleaned and washed regularly.
Select fabric that is waterproof, fireproof and optimally with antimicrobial property. Disposable bed screens
are another option if it aligns with the Infection Control Policy of the facility. In isolation rooms or patient
rooms used for quarantine, disposable bed screens could be a more appropriate option than regular bed
screens.
Curtains / Blinds
Each room shall have partial blackout facilities (blinds or lined curtains) to allow patients to rest during the
daytime. Similar to bedscreens, window curtains shall be fireproof, waterproof and be cleaned often.
Compliance with the relevant local Authority for the required level of fire resistance should be ensured.
If blinds are preferred over curtains, the following applies:
 Vertical or roller blinds are better alternatives than horizontal blinds as horizontal blinds have more
surfaces for collecting dust.
 Horizontal blinds can be fitted within a double-glazed window assembly with a knob control on the
one side (commonly the bedroom side) or with a dual control (both sides) depending on the location of
the window. This option is preferrable in rooms used for isolation.
Window Treatments
Window treatments should be durable and easy to clean. Consideration may be given to use of double
glazing with integral blinds, tinted glass, reflective glass, exterior overhangs or louvers to control the level
of lighting.
Building Services Requirements
This section only identifies unit specific services briefing requirements and must be read in conjunction
with Part E - Engineering Services for a complete list of applicable parameters and standards.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Unit design should address the following Information Technology/ Communications issues:
 Health Information System (HIS)
 Electronic Health Records (HER) which may form part of the HIS
 Hand-held tablets and other smart devices
 Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS)
 DECT phones and computers
 Data entry including scripts and investigation requests
 Bar coding for supplies, and X-rays / Records if physical copies are still being used
 Data and communication outlets, servers, and communication room requirements
 Wi-Fi availability for staff, patients and/or visitors.
Nurse Call System
Hospitals must provide an electronic call system that allows patients and staff to alert nurses and other
health care staff in a discreet manner at all times. Patient calls are to be registered at the Staff Stations and
must be audible within the service areas of the Unit including Clean Utilities and Dirty Utilities. If calls are
not answered the call system should escalate the call priority. The Nurse Call system may also use mobile
paging systems or SMS to notify staff of a call.

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Patient Entertainment Systems

Patients may be provided with entertainment/ communications systems according to the Operational Policy
of the facility including television, bedside telephone, radio and internet (Wi-Fi) access. A single patient
handset may combine the entertainment system, nurse call system and lighting control all in one.
Renal Dialysis Facilities
The Inpatient Unit should provide one Bedroom with a dialysis drain for use with mobile dialysis
equipment, as needed by the Unit Operational Policy.
Refer to Part E – Engineering Services for details.
Pneumatic Tube Systems
The Inpatient Unit may include a pneumatic tube station, as determined by the facility’s operational policy.
If provided the station should be located in close proximity to the Staff Station or under direct staff
supervision. When required, a second PTS station may be provided within the medication storage area.
Refer to Part E - Engineering Services for details.
Public Health
Warm water supplied to all areas accessed by patients within the Inpatient Unit should be maintained at
38oC and shall not exceed 43oC. This requirement applies to all staff handwash basins and sinks in patient
accessible areas.
Sinks in Staff Areas may be provided with hot and cold water services. Refer to
Part E - Engineering Services for details.
Heating Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC)
The air temperature in inpatient areas should be capable of being maintained along with relative humidity.
A local thermostat in the patient room should be provided from which room temperature can be adjusted by
the occupant.
All HVAC units and systems are to comply with services identified in Standard Components and Part E –
Engineering Services in these Guidelines.
Medical Gases
Medical gas is used for administration to a patient in anaesthesia, therapy, diagnosis, or resuscitation.
Medical gases shall be installed, readily available and dedicate for each patient and they must not be shared
between two patients even in a shared inpatient room.
Oxygen, medical air and suction must be provided to all inpatient beds. Medical gases will be provided for
each bed according to the quantities noted in the Standard Components - Room Data Sheets.

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4 Standard Components of the Unit

Standard Components
Standard Components are typical rooms in a health facility, each represented by a Room Data Sheet (RDS)
and Room Layout Sheet (RLS). Sometimes, there are more than one configuration possible and therefore,
more than one room layout sheet can be found in the Standard Components for a room with same function.
They may differ in room size and/or the requirement of FF&FE items.
The Room Data Sheets are presented in a written format, describing the minimum briefing requirements of
each room type divided into the following categories:
 Room Primary Information; includes briefed areas, occupancy, room description, relationships and
special room requirements
 Building Fabric and Finishes; describes fabric and finishes for the room’s ceiling, floor, walls, doors
and glazing requirements
 Furniture and Fittings; lists all the fittings and furniture typically located in the room; Furniture and
Fittings are identified with a group number indicating who is responsible for providing the item
according to a widely accepted description as follows:
Group Description
1 Provided and installed by the Builder/ Contractor
2 Provided by the Client and installed by the Builder/Contractor
3 Provided and installed by the Client

 Fixtures and Equipment; includes all the serviced equipment commonly located in the room along
with the services required such as power, data, water supply and drainage; Fixtures and Equipment
are also identified with a group number as above indicating who is responsible for provision
 Building Services - indicates the requirement for communications, power, HVAC (Heating,
Ventilation and Air Conditioning), medical gases, nurse/ emergency call and lighting along with
quantities and types where appropriate. Provision of all services items listed is mandatory.
The Room Layout Sheets (RLS’s) are indicative plan layouts and elevations illustrating an example of a
good design. The RLS indicated are deemed to satisfy these Guidelines. Alternative layouts and innovative
planning shall be deemed to comply with these Guidelines provided by the following criteria are met:
 Compliance with the text of these Guidelines
 Minimum floor areas as shown in the schedule of accommodation
 Clearances and accessibility around various objects shown or implied
 Inclusion of all mandatory items identified in the RDS.
Standard Components have considered the required design parameters described in these Guidelines. Each
FPU should be designed with compliance to Standard Components - Room Data Sheets and Room Layout
Sheets, nominated in the Schedules of Accommodation in Appendices of this FPU.

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5 Schedule Of Equipment (SOE)

This Schedule of Equipment (SOE) below lists the major equipment required for the key rooms in this
FPU.
Room/ Space Standard Room Item Description Qty Remarks
Code
1 Bed Room 1br-st-18-i Air flowmeter 1
1 Bed Room 1br-st-18-i Bed: inpatient, electric 1 with mattress
1 Bed Room 1br-st-18-i Locker: bedside 1
1 Bed Room 1br-st-18-i Oxygen flowmeter 1
1 Bed Room 1br-st-18-i Suction adapter 1 with bracket & suction bottle
1 Bed Room 1br-st-18-i Table: overbed 1
1 Bed Room - Isolation 1br-is-p-18-i Air flowmeter 1
1br-is-n-18-i
1 Bed Room - Isolation 1br-is-p-18-i Bed: inpatient, electric 1 with mattress
1br-is-n-18-i
1 Bed Room - Isolation 1br-is-p-18-i Infusion pump: single 1 optional
1br-is-n-18-i channel
1 Bed Room - Isolation 1br-is-p-18-i Locker: bedside 1
1br-is-n-18-i
1 Bed Room - Isolation 1br-is-p-18-i Oxygen flowmeter 1
1br-is-n-18-i
1 Bed Room - Isolation 1br-is-p-18-i Suction adapter 1 with bracket & suction bottle
1br-is-n-18-i
1 Bed Room - Isolation 1br-is-p-18-i Table: overbed 1
1br-is-n-18-i
1 Bed Room - Large 1br-lg-30-i Air flowmeter 1
1 Bed Room - Large 1br-lg-30-i Bassinet 1 optional, for post-natal use
1 Bed Room - Large 1br-lg-30-i Bed: inpatient, electric 1 with mattress
1 Bed Room - Large 1br-lg-30-i Locker: bedside 1
1 Bed Room - Large 1br-lg-30-i Oxygen flowmeter 1
1 Bed Room - Large 1br-lg-30-i Suction adapter 1 with bracket & suction bottle
1 Bed Room - Large 1br-lg-30-i Table: overbed 1
1 Bed Room - VIP 1br-vip-36-i Air flowmeter 1
1 Bed Room - VIP 1br-vip-36-i Bassinet 1 optional, for post-natal use
1 Bed Room - VIP 1br-vip-36-i Bed: inpatient, VIP 1
1 Bed Room - VIP 1br-vip-36-i Locker: bedside 1
1 Bed Room - VIP 1br-vip-36-i Mattress: powered, VIP 1 optional, or foam mattress
1 Bed Room - VIP 1br-vip-36-i Oxygen flowmeter 1
1 Bed Room - VIP 1br-vip-36-i Suction adapter 1 with bracket & suction bottle
1 Bed Room - VIP 1br-vip-36-i Table: overbed 1
2 Bed Room 2br-st-30-i Air flowmeter 2
2 Bed Room 2br-st-30-i Bassinet 2 optional, for post-natal use
2 Bed Room 2br-st-30-i Bed: inpatient, electric 2 with mattress
2 Bed Room 2br-st-30-i Locker: bedside 2
2 Bed Room 2br-st-30-i Oxygen flowmeter 2
2 Bed Room 2br-st-30-i Suction adapter 2 with bracket & suction bottle
2 Bed Room 2br-st-30-i Table: overbed 2
Treatment Room trmt-14-i Air flowmeter 1
Treatment Room trmt-14-i Diagnostic set: wall mounted 1 optional

Treatment Room trmt-14-i Infusion pump: single 1

channel
Treatment Room trmt-14-i Light: examination, 1
ceiling
Treatment Room trmt-14-i Monitor: cardiac 1 optional, (acute care physiologic
monitor)
Treatment Room trmt-14-i Oxygen flowmeter 2
Treatment Room trmt-14-i Stretcher: procedure/ 1 or patient bed
recovery
Treatment Room trmt-14-i Suction adapter 1 with bracket & suction bottle
Treatment Room trmt-14-i Table: overbed 1

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6 Schedule of Accommodation
The Schedule of Accommodation (SOA) provided in the Appendices of this FPU represents generic
requirements for this Unit. It identifies the rooms required along with the room quantities and the
recommended room areas. The sum of the room areas is shown as the Sub Total as the Net Area. The total
area comprises of the sub-total areas of these rooms plus an additional percentage of the sub-total applied
as the circulation (corridors within the Unit). Circulation is represented as a percentage is the minimum
recommended target area. Any external areas and optional rooms/ spaces are not included in the total areas
in the SOA.
Within the SOA, room sizes indicated for typical units and are organised into functional zones. Not all rooms
identified are mandatory, therefore, some rooms are found as optional in the corresponding Remarks. These
Guidelines do not dictate the size of the facilities and the SOA provided represents a limited sample based on
assumed unit sizes. The actual size of the facilities is determined by the Service Planning or Feasibility
Studies. Quantities of rooms need to be proportionally adjusted to suit the desired unit size and service needs.
The Schedule of Accommodation are developed for particular levels of services knowns as Role
Delineation Level (RDL) and numbered from 1 to 6. Applicable RDL’s are noted in each SOA provided in
the appendices and not necessarily all six RDL’s are applicable. Refer to Part A for a full description of
the RDL’s.
The following should be considered in conjunction with the SOA/s provided in the Appendices of this
FPU:
 Areas noted in Schedules of Accommodation take precedence over all other areas noted in this FPU
 Rooms indicated in the schedule reflect the typical arrangement according to the Role
Delineation and/ or capacity required for the clinical service
 Exact requirements for room quantities and sizes reflect Key Planning Units (KPU) identified in the
Service Plan and the Operational Policies of the Unit
 All areas shown in the SOA follow the No-Gap system described elsewhere in these
Guidelines. Refer to Part B Preliminaries
 Room sizes indicated should be viewed as a minimum requirement; variations are acceptable to reflect
the needs of individual Unit
 Staff and support rooms may be shared between Functional Planning Units dependent on location and
accessibility to each unit and may provide scope to reduce duplication of facilities
 Offices to be provided according to the number of approved full-time positions within the Unit Refer

to Appendices I to IV for a limited sample of SOA’s of the Inpatient Unit – General.

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Inpatient Unit – General

(Additional)
ROOM/ SPACE Standard Component RDL 3‐6 RDL 3‐6 Remarks
Room Codes Qty x m2 Qty x m2
30 Beds 15 Beds
Entrance/ Reception
Reception recl‐10‐i 1 x 10
Lounge ‐ Visitor wait‐20‐i wait‐30‐i 1 x 30 1 x 20 Divided into male/female areas. Area
may be enlarged to increase seating
capacity
Meeting Room ‐ Small meet‐9‐i meet‐15‐i 1 x 15 1 x 9 Interviews with family
Toilet – Public wcpu‐3‐i 2 x 3 Separated for male and female.
Minimum 1 pair per floor; may be
shared
Toilet – Accessible wcac‐i 1 x 6 Minimum 1 per floor
Patient Areas
1 Bed Room 1br‐st‐18‐i 2 x 18 8 x 18 Mix and number depend on service
1 demand
1 Bed Room ‐ Isolation 1br‐is‐n‐18‐i 1br‐is‐p‐18‐i 1 x 18 1 x 18 Class N rooms are mandatory
according to the ratios nominated in
this FPU. Minimum size is 18m2. Any
isolation room may be combined with
the mandatory Bariatric room to form
and Isolation Bariatric room at 28m2
(1br‐is‐p‐28‐i or 1br‐is‐n‐28‐i). Class P
isolation rooms according to the
clinical services plan.

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1 Bed Room ‐ Large 1br‐lg‐30‐i 1 x 30 1 x 30 Minimum 1 per facility; may be used

for bariatric / special needs patients.
May also be combined with Isolation
Room. Refer to SC for Bariatric
Isolation Room. Include Dialysis outlet
in all Bariatric bedrooms. Follow
minimum Bariatric standards
1 Bed Room ‐ VIP 1br‐vip‐36‐i 1 x 36 1 x 36 Provide according to demand
2 Bed Room 2br‐st‐30‐i 3 x 30 2 x 30 Mix and number depend on service
demand
Anteroom anrm‐i 1 x 6 1 x 6 For 1 Bed Room ‐ Isolation
Ensuite ‐ Standard ens‐st‐i 2 x 5 11 x 5 1 to be directly accessible from each 1
5 and 2 Bed Rooms, including isolation
room
Ensuite ‐ Super ens‐sp‐i 1 x 6 1 x 6 For 1 Bed Room ‐ Large. Special fittings
required for bariatrics
Ensuite ‐ VIP ens‐vip‐i 1 x 8 1 x 8 For 1 Bed Room ‐ VIP
Lounge ‐ Patient lnpt‐15‐i or lnpt‐s‐i 1 x 15 Optional, May be shared between 2
units. Note: refer to notes below
Laundry ‐ Patient laun‐pt‐i 1 x 6 1 x 6 For specialist units e.g. rehabilitation;
as required by service demand
Toilet ‐ Patient wcpt‐i 1 x 4 Optional; dependent on provision of
communal areas
Bathroom bath‐i 1 x 16 1 per 60 beds or may be shared
between 2 units
Treatment Room trmt‐14‐i 1 x 14 Optional; provide according to service
demand
Support Areas
Bay ‐ Beverage, Enclosed bbev‐enc‐i bbev‐op‐i 1 x 5 1 x 5
Bay ‐ Handwashing, Type B bhws‐b‐i 4 x 1 2 x 1 In addition to basins in patient rooms.
Refer to Part D

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Bay – PPE bppe‐i 4 x 1.5 1 x 1.5 In addition to bays for isolation rooms.
Refer to Part D
Bay ‐ Linen blin‐i 2 x 2 1 x 2 Quantity and location to be
determined for each facility
Bay ‐ Meal Trolley bmeq‐4‐i similar 1 x 4 Optional; dependent on catering and
operational policies
Bay ‐ Mobile Equipment bmeq‐4‐i or bmeqe‐i 1 x 4 1 x 4 Quantity, size dependent on
equipment to be stored; can be
opened or enclosed
Bay ‐ Resuscitation Trolley bres‐i 1 x 1.5 1 x 1.5
Bay ‐ Pneumatic Tube NS 1 x 1 1 x 1 Optional, Locate at Staff Station or
under staff supervision
Clean Utility clur‐12‐i 1 x 12 1 x 12 May be Interconnected with
Medication Room
Medication Room medr‐i 1 x 10 1 x 10 May be Interconnected with Clean
Utility
Clean Utility / Medication clum‐14‐i 1 x 14 1 x 14 Optional; if combining Clean Utility and
Medication Room is preferred
Dirty Utility dtur‐12‐i dtur‐14‐i 1 x 14 1 x 12 2 may be required to minimise travel
distances
Disposal Room disp‐8‐i 1 x 8 1 x 8
Pantry ptry‐i 1 x 8 Optional; if Beverage Bay is required
Store ‐ Equipment steq‐10‐i steq‐16‐i similar 1 x 20 1 x 10 Size dependent on equipment to be
stored; staff access. Note: combining
all stores into one room is optional;
however if they are combined, they
must be separated into zones
Store ‐ General stgn‐8‐i similar 1 x 10 1 x 6 Size as per service demand and
operational policies
Cleaner’s Room clrm‐6‐i 1 x 6 Separate storage for dry goods, small
units may share

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Staff Areas
Staff Station sscu‐i sstn‐14‐i 1 x 14 1 x 9 May include ward clerk. Size and
location dependent on operational
policies
Office ‐ Clinical / Handover off‐cln‐i 1 x 15 1 x 15
Office ‐ Single Person off‐s12‐i 1 x 12 2 x 12 NUM office and clinical personnel as
needed
Meeting Room – Medium / meet‐l‐15‐i 1 x 20 Tutorial; shared between 2 units. Could
Large be used for counselling sessions
On‐Call Room ovbr‐10‐i 1 x 10 Required at the rate of 1 per 2 Units
maximum but does not necessarily
need to be located within the Units
however, must have convenient
access.
On‐Call Room ‐ Ensuite oves‐4‐i 1 x 4 Ensuite attached to On‐Call Room
above.
Staff Room srm‐15‐i similar 1 x 18 1 x 15 Include Beverage Bay
Property Bay – Staff prop‐3‐i 2 x 3 2 x 3 Separated for male and female.
Number of lockers depends on staff
complement per shift
Toilet – Staff wcst‐i 2 x 3 2 x 3 Separated for male and female
Sub Total 995.5 547
Circulation % 35 35
Total Areas 1343.925 738.45

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Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit (Optional)

Standard
RDL 2 RDL 3 RDL 4 RDL 5/6
ROOM/ SPACE Component Remarks
Room Codes Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2
Rehabilitation
Consult/ Exam Room cons‐i 2 x 14
Gymnasium/ Multi‐purpose Size to suit the service; with a
gyah‐45‐i similar 2 x 40
room Control room as required
Based on 2m2 per patient, 25
Dining/ Activities dinr‐i similar 2 x 50
patients
Pantry/ Servery/ ADL Kitchen adlk‐enc‐i 2 x 12
ADL Bathroom adlb‐i 1 x 12
ADL Bedroom adlbr‐i 1 x 18
Toilet ‐ Patient, (Male/ Female) wcpt‐i 2 x 4
Sub Total 270
Circulation % 35
Total Areas 364.5

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Super VIP Suite (Optional)

Standard
RDL 2 RDL 3 RDL 4 RDL 5/6
ROOM/ SPACE Component Remarks
Room Codes Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2
1 Bed
1 Bed Room – Super Provide according to
1 br‐svip‐53‐i 1 x 53
VIP service demand
Provide according to
Ensuite – Super VIP ens‐svip‐i 1 x 20
service demand
Provide according to
Store – Equipment steq‐10‐i 1 x 10
service demand
Provide according to
Pantry – Super VIP ptry‐svip‐i 1 x 11
service demand
Lounge / Dining – Provide according to
ld‐svip‐i 1 x 26
Super VIP service demand
Family / Carer Provide according to
f‐cr‐svip‐i 1 x 34
Room service demand
Provide according to
Ensuite – Visitor ens‐vis‐i 1 x 5
service demand
Sub Total 159
Circulation % 35
Total Areas 214.65

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7 References and Further Reading

 AHIA, Australasian Health Facility Guidelines, Part B Health Facility Briefing and Planning, HPU
0340 – Adult Acute Inpatient Unit, Rev 7, 2020; refer to website:
https://healthfacilityguidelines.com.au/health-planning-units
 CDC Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities, 2003, refer to
website: https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/index.html
 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals; The Facility Guidelines Institute, 2018
Edition; refer to website: www.fgiguidelines.org
 DH (Department of Health) (UK) Health Building Note HBN 04-01 Adult Inpatient Facilities,
2009, refer to website:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HBN_04-01_Final.pdf

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8 Appendix I Inpatient Unit - General, 30 Bed Unit, All Single Beds (RDL 3 to 6)
The SOA overleaf is for a 30 Bed Unit at RDL levels 3 to 6 with all single bedrooms. Although
categorised by level of service, this does not necessarily lead to different physical requirements. The
Schedule of Accommodation lists generic spaces that form an Inpatient Unit. Quantities and sizes of some
spaces need to be determined in response to the service needs of each unit on a case by case basis.
Lounge areas are only required when facility has shared bed rooms and service to provide family members
a waiting area if patients are not ready to receive them. If the facility has only single bed rooms, then lounge
areas inside units are not required at all; and an outside waiting area is optional.
Refer to SOA overleaf.

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9 Appendix II Inpatient Unit - General, 30 Bed Unit, Single and Shared Beds (RDL 3 to 6)
Similar to Appendix I, the SOA overleaf is for a 30 Bed Unit at RDL levels 3 to 6 but with a mix of single
bed rooms and 2 bed rooms. A minimum of 60% single bed rooms is recommended and reflected in this
SOA.
All support facilities and amenities required in this Unit are identical to those provided in Appendix I
where accommodation is only provided in single rooms.
Refer to SOA overleaf.

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10 Appendix III Inpatient Unit - General, 15 Bed Unit (RDL 3 to 6)

This 15-bed SOA is provided as an extension to a 30-bed unit in Appendix I where some of the support
areas from the 30-bed unit are shared. The 15-bed Inpatient Unit SOA does not represent an independent
unit. For any independent Inpatient Unit with less than 30 beds, the same support areas for a 30-bed unit as
shown in Appendix I SOA must be provided.
Refer to SOA overleaf.

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11 Appendix IV Inpatient Unit - General, Optional Shared Components (RDL 3 to 6)

When there are more than one Inpatient Unit placed adjacent to each other, it is possible to share some of
the support facilities, public and staff amenities between the two units at a location readily accessible to
both. The provision of these shared components must be equal to and no less than the requirements for each
unit if they are provided separately within each unit. Combining rooms to form larger spaces at a central
location may improve efficiency of operation in larger hospitals.
Refer to SOA overleaf.

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