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Part B – Health Facility Briefing & Design


110 Inpatient Unit - General

International Health Facility Guidelines


2023
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Inpatient Unit - General

Table of Contents
110 INPATIENT UNIT - GENERAL ..................................................................................................... 3
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 3
2 FUNCTIONAL AND PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................. 4
3 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ...............................................................................................................19
4 COMPONENTS OF THE UNIT .............................................................................................................28
5 SCHEDULE OF EQUIPMENT (SOE) ...................................................................................................29
6 SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATION......................................................................................................29
7 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING..............................................................................................34

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Inpatient Unit - General

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 patient’s 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 bedrooms 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.
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

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Inpatient Unit - General
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

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

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Inpatient Unit - General
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
1
clustered along a single corridor.

Racetrack Double corridor configuration.


Patient rooms are located on the
2
external aspects 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
3
where two linear wings are
joined at 90 degrees to create
the “L” shape.

T shaped Single corridor configuration. A


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

Hybrid T Combination of the Racetrack


model and T model. The
5
entrance wing has a racetrack
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,
6
where two linear wings intersect
approximately in the centre to
create a “+” shape.

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Sample functional relationship diagrams of each of the above planning models are provided
below.
Linear (single corridor) Model 1a

Linear (single corridor) Model 1b

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Inpatient Unit - General
Racetrack (double corridor) Model 2a

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

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Inpatient Unit - General
of rooms or by Unit is subject to the Operation Model of the Hospital.
▪ 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.

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Inpatient Unit - General
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.
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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Inpatient Unit - General
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 1350 mm clear opening (although
1400 mm 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 bed screens, 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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Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Inpatient Unit - General
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. Also, all isolation rooms are to have Renal
Dialysis provisions.
In the combined IPU-HDU model, all HDU rooms have to be provided with renal dialysis
equipment and associated provisions.
Refer to Part E – Engineering Services for details.
Pneumatic Tube Systems
The Inpatient Unit may include a Pneumatic Tube Station (PTS), 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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Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Inpatient Unit - General
4 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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Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Inpatient Unit - General
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
1 Bed Room, Room Code (1br-st-18-i)
Air flowmeter Oxygen flowmeter Table: overbed
Bed: inpatient, electric Suction adapter Locker: bedside
1 Bedroom - Isolation, Room Code (1br-is-p-28-i, 1br-is-i-28-i)
Air flowmeter Infusion pump: single channel Oxygen flowmeter
Bed: inpatient, electric Locker: bedside Suction adapter
Table: overbed
1 Bedroom - Large, Room Code (1br-lg-30-i)
Air flowmeter Bed: inpatient, electric Oxygen flowmeter
Bassinet Locker: bedside Suction adapter
Table: overbed
1 Bedroom - VIP, Room Code (1br-vip-36-i)
Air flowmeter Locker: bedside
Bassinet Mattress: powered, VIP Suction adapter
Bed: inpatient, VIP Oxygen flowmeter Table: overbed
Treatment Room, Room Code (trmt-14-i)
Air flowmeter Light: examination, ceiling Stretcher: procedure/ recovery
Diagnostic set: wall mounted Monitor: cardiac Suction adapter
Infusion pump: single channel Oxygen flowmeter Table: overbed

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

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Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Inpatient Unit - General

Inpatient Unit – General


ROOM/ SPACE Standard Component RDL 3-6 (Additional) Remarks
Room Codes Qty x m2 RDL 3-6
30 Beds Qty x m2
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 21 x 18 8 x 18 Mix and number depend on service demand
1 Bed Room - Isolation 1br-is-i-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-i-28-i). Class P isolation rooms according to the
clinical services plan.
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 25 x 5 11 x 5 1 to be directly accessible from each 1 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
Bay – PPE bppe-i 4 x 1.5 1 x 1.5 In addition to bays for isolation rooms. Refer to Part D

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Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Inpatient Unit - General

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
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 / Large meet-l-15-i 1 x 20 Tutorial; shared between 2 units. Could 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
Patient AGV NS 1 x * 1 x * Size varies according to operation policy
Sub Total 987.5 541
Circulation % 40 40
Total Areas 1333 730

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Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Inpatient Unit - General

Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit (Optional)


ROOM/ SPACE Standard Component RDL 2 RDL 3 RDL 4 RDL 5/6 Remarks
Room Codes Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2
Rehabilitation
Consult/ Exam Room cons-i 2 x 14
Size to suit the service; with a Control room as
Gymnasium/ Multi-purpose room gyah-45-i similar 2 x 40
required
Dining/ Activities dinr-i similar 2 x 50 Based on 2m2 per patient, 25 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 268
Circulation % 40
Total Areas 362

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Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Inpatient Unit - General

Super VIP Suite (Optional)


ROOM/ SPACE Standard RDL 2 RDL 3 RDL 4 RDL 5/6 Remarks
Component Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2
Room Codes
Super VIP Suite 1 Bed
1 Bed Room – Super VIP 1 br-svip-53-i 1 x 53 Provide according to service demand
Ensuite – Super VIP ens-svip-i 1 x 20 Provide according to service demand
Store – Equipment steq-10-i 1 x 10 Provide according to service demand
Pantry – Super VIP ptry-svip-i 1 x 11 Provide according to service demand
Lounge / Dining – Super VIP ld-svip-i 1 x 26 Provide according to service demand
Family / Carer Room f-cr-svip-i 1 x 34 Provide according to service demand
Ensuite – Visitor ens-vis-i 1 167 5 Provide according to service demand
Sub Total 167
Circulation % 35
Total Areas 225

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Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Inpatient Unit - General

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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