Australasian

Health Facility Guidelines

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning
155 - AMBULATORY CARE UNIT

Revision 5.0
15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

© 2013 Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance

The Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG) and the information in them are the copyright of the
Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance (AHIA). The information in the AusHFG is made freely available.
Australasian Health Facility Guidelines
Address: PO Box 1060, North Sydney NSW 2059
Website: http://www.healthfacilityguidelines.com.au
Email: [email protected]
The AusHFG are an initiative of the Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance (AHIA). AHIA membership
is comprised of representatives from government health infrastructure planning and delivery entities in all
jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand.
Disclaimer
AHIA gives no warranty or guarantee that the information in the AusHFG is correct, complete or otherwise
suitable for use. AHIA shall not be liable for any loss howsoever caused whether due to negligence or
otherwise arising from the use of or reliance on this information.
AHIA recommends that those seeking to rely on the information in the AusHFG obtain their own
independent expert advice.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 2

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

INDEX
INTRODUCTION 4
Preamble 4
Introduction 4
Policy Framework 5
PLANNING 6
Operational Models 6
Operational Policies 7
Functional Areas 8
Functional Relationships 9
DESIGN 10
Access 10
Disaster Management 10
Infection Control 10
Environmental Considerations 10
Space Standards and Components 11
Safety and Security 12
Finishes 12
Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment 13
Building Service Requirements 13
COMPONENTS OF THE UNIT 15
Standard Components 15
Non-Standard Components 15
APPENDICES 16
Schedule of Accommodation 16
Functional Relationships Diagram/s 19
Checklists 20
Further Reading 20
References 20
ATTACHMENTS 21
Security Checklist for Ambulatory Care Unit 22

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 3

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

INTRODUCTION
Preamble

155.001.000 This Health Planning Unit (HPU) has been developed by the Australasian Health
500860 Infrastructure Alliance (AHIA) following extensive consultation during 2014. This HPU is
intended to assist in the planning and design process for the design team, project
managers and end users.

Introduction

155.002.005 This HPU outlines the specific requirements for planning and designing an Ambulatory
960883 Care Unit.
This document should be read in conjunction with the Australasian Health Facility
Guidelines (AusHFG) generic requirements and Standard Components described in:
- Part A: Introduction and Instructions for Use;
- Part B, Section 80: General Requirements;
- Part B, Section 90: Standard Components, Room Data Sheets and Room Layout
Sheets;
- Part C: Design for Access, Mobility, OHS and Security;
- Part D: Infection Prevention and Control; and
- Part E: Building Services and Environmental Design.
Additional HPUs which address many service specific specialty needs may be mentioned in
this HPU but detailed information is available in other documents including:
- 170 Cardiac Investigations Unit;
- 255 Community Health Unit;
- 270 Day Surgery/ Procedure Unit;
- 280 Oral Health Unit;
- 440 Medical Imaging Unit;
- 500 Nuclear Medicine Unit;
- 510 Maternity Unit;
- 540 Paediatric/ Adolescent Unit;
- 550 Pathology Unit;
- 560 Pharmacy Unit;
- 600 Radiation Oncology Unit; and
- 620 Renal Dialysis Unit.
The requirements of HPU 250 Ambulatory Mental Health Unit have been incorporated in
this HPU. Mental health specific requirements will also be detailed in future versions of
HPU 255 Community Health Unit. HPU 250 Ambulatory Mental Health Unit will be
discontinued.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 4

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

Policy Framework

155.003.000 Before undertaking a project, planners and project personnel should familiarise
500862 themselves with individual jurisdictional plans, regulations, policies, service specific
guidelines and reports.
Jurisdictional policy information, where available, is contained in the Further Reading
section of this HPU.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 5

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

PLANNING
Operational Models

155.008.000 DESCRIPTION AND MODELS OF CARE

503032
There is no clear and universally accepted definition of ambulatory care. This is
understandable given that ambulatory care can be considered an 'approach' to patient
care that reduces reliance on overnight hospital stays and promotes new approaches to
care.
Models and service configurations for ambulatory care services will vary and reflect local
requirements. While many ambulatory care services will be located as part of an acute
healthcare campus, services may also be provided in a community setting (e.g. community
health or integrated care centres).
For the purpose of this document, ambulatory care is defined as the provision of health
services on a same day basis on the healthcare campus, integrated with acute-care
services or as a stand-alone facility in the community.
The configuration of an Ambulatory Care Unit will depend on factors including:
- service mix;
- catchment population; and
- scope and scale of the services to be accommodated.
Room requirements will be based on patient throughput/occasions of service. These need
to be well detailed in the service plan prior to the commencement of a capital planning
process.
Services accommodated in an Ambulatory Care Unit may include, but are not limited to:
- multidisciplinary and specialist consultation and treatment clinics for medical and
surgical sub-specialties (otherwise known as outpatient clinics);
- same day surgery/procedural services;
- same day medical services such as minor procedures and/or infusion services;
- specialty same day medical services such as renal dialysis, oncology and haematology;
- maternity and paediatric clinics;
- community mental health services;
- outpatient pharmacy;
- oral health services;
- ophthalmology clinics;
- medical imaging services, including general radiology, ultrasound, mammography and
CT;
- pathology collection;
- GP services; and
- allied health assessment and treatment services.
Ambulatory care services can be integrated in an acute health care facility by:
- collocating outpatient clinics in a single location, supported by a range of clinical
support services such as pharmacy, pathology collection and medical diagnostic and
treatment services (this model may be adopted by large, complex health services).
The aim of this model is to create a “one-stop shop”;
- collocating outpatient clinics and related diagnostic services with other specialty
services. This is sometimes referred to as an “institute” model and brings together all

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 6

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

services related to a medical specialty or group of specialties (e.g. cancer services); or

- a mix of the two models.
Ambulatory Care Units may range from services of a few rooms to complex service
configurations accommodating up to 100 rooms providing facilities for a range of specialty
services. In large Units, it is likely that a number of rooms will be grouped together in
“pods” with decentralised support space such as waiting space and utilities.
For the purpose of this HPU, the information will focus on the provision of:
- outpatient clinics, both specialist and multidisciplinary; and
- medical day treatment service, which provides space to administer IV medications,
undertake minor procedures etc.
The physical environment in an Ambulatory Care Unit should be therapeutic and
welcoming for all its users.
Service mix and demand for services will change over time. A flexible facility model will
improve overall access to rooms and reduce territoriality by clinical staff.
Operational policies and facility design should provide for optimal use with the sharing of
rooms and equipment.

Operational Policies

155.009.000 GENERAL
503033
The operational policy issues detailed in this section should be considered when
identifying the models of care to be implemented, as they will all impact the configuration
of the Unit and overall space requirements.
Operational policies should be developed as part of the project planning process. Refer to
Part B Section 80 for further information.

155.009.010 HOURS OF OPERATION

960884
Most patient services will be delivered Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 5.00pm although
hours are (increasingly) becoming more flexible to meet specific patient care requirements
and extending to evenings and weekends.

155.009.020 ROOM BOOKINGS - CLINICAL SUPPORT

960885
When planning room requirements, an occupancy rate is usually applied as it is assumed
that all rooms will not be fully utilised all day, every day. It is assumed that no patient
consultations will take place in a clinician’s office.
A room booking system should be installed for both patient consulting/ treatment and
shared staff space (e.g. meeting rooms) to maximise room utilisation.
Rooms will be bookable and generally not “owned” by a service to increase flexibility and
utilisation. Exceptions may include specialised rooms such as a dental surgery.
A range of rooms will be required to support one-on-one consultations and family
consultations. Larger rooms will be required for group activities. Wherever possible,
rooms should be generic to promote flexible use.
Lockable storage for discipline or specialty specific equipment and resources should be
provided within close proximity to these rooms.

155.009.030 PATIENT RECORDS

960886
Ideally, electronic health care records will be in use and staff will need access to a PC in

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 7

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

each treatment space to access the records. Where hard copy records are still in use,
these will be transported to and from the Health Information Unit on a daily basis.
Depending on the scale of the Unit, records may be delivered to a central point and
distributed to clinics as required. Space requirements will be influenced by local health
information arrangements.

155.009.040 MANAGEMENT OF DEPENDENT PATIENTS

960887
Patients with high care needs, such as those from residential aged care facilities, will use
ambulatory care facilities. A holding bay should be provided, in close proximity to a staff
station, to ensure these patients are supervised while waiting to be seen.

155.009.050 MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

960889
Mental health services may be provided in ambulatory or community settings. Ideally,
these services will be integrated with other services so people can access a range of health
and related care (e.g. oral health services).
An interview room should be located near the reception to an Ambulatory Care Unit so
people who present without an appointment can be assessed in a timely way . Rooms
used to interview or treat people with mental health conditions will require two egress
doors. A discrete duress or emergency call system should be included that provides easy
access for clinicians.
Depending on the model of care, bookable meeting rooms may also be needed for group
activities.

155.009.060 MEDICAL DAY TREATMENT SERVICES

960888
Treatment bays may be provided within an Ambulatory Care Unit to manage a range of
treatments (e.g. allergy testing, infusions etc.) and minor procedures. These bays are often
collocated with a treatment or procedure room and collocated so patients can be easily
supervised and staff resources maximised.

155.009.070 PATIENT FLOW

960890
Visitor traffic in Ambulatory Care Units can be significant. Active communication using
staff or electronic systems (e.g. messaging, electronic notice boards, and queuing systems)
can help. Reducing large waiting areas into smaller areas can also improve patient flow
and reduce stress.

155.009.080 TEACHING CLINICS

960891
Outpatient clinics provide a clinical environment for junior medical staff being supervised
by senior medical staff. Ideally, rooms are arranged so senior medical staff can supervise a
group of rooms. This may be achieved by a staff-only corridor system. Telehealth
technology should be available for teaching and clinical assessments.

Functional Areas

155.012.000 The Ambulatory Care Unit comprises the following functional areas:
500866
- entry/reception/waiting;
- patient areas;
- clinical support; and
- staff areas.
The scope of these functional areas will be dependent on the service level and size.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 8

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

155.012.010 ENTRY/RECEPTION/WAITING
960892
This functional area is the main visitor entry to the Unit and includes the reception, main
waiting and visitor amenities. The main reception should oversee the main entrance and
waiting areas and be identifiable from the entry point to the Unit. Support areas for
administrative staff (e.g. health care records) will be collocated.
Reception staff should be able to control access to patient treatment areas. Larger
services may decentralise some waiting space closer to clinic pods.
Self-registration and wayfinding systems may be located in this zone.

155.012.020 PATIENT AREAS

960893
Patient areas include a range of generic rooms defined by service requirements and
include interview, consult and treatment rooms. These rooms should be readily accessible
from waiting areas.
A medical day treatment centre may provide patient bed spaces to undertake treatments,
selected procedures and recovery activities. This area should contain a staff base which
oversights bed bays and patient amenities. A patient holding bay may be collocated.
The scale of the service and the number of rooms will influence the arrangement of space.

155.012.030 CLINICAL SUPPORT AREAS

960894
Clinical support areas include a range of support spaces such as utilities and storage. The
number and distribution of rooms will be dependent on the scale of the service.

155.012.040 STAFF AREAS

960895
This area includes staff office space and amenities. These areas will not be accessed by
patients and should be secured.

Functional Relationships

155.014.000 EXTERNAL
500868
When located on a healthcare campus, a location close to a main entrance is ideal with a
vehicle drop-off point. Other external relationships may depend on the size and scale of
the service. In some cases, inpatients may access selected services (e.g. diagnostics) or
patients may need to travel to services such as medical imaging. In addition, patients
transferred from residential aged care may be held in the Ambulatory Care Unit while
awaiting care, but may also be held in a transit lounge awaiting an ambulance transfer.

155.015.000 INTERNAL
500869
Within the Unit:
- the entry/reception/waiting area must be designed to promote patient flow and allow
patients to move easily to and from the treatment areas;
- the patient areas must be organised so staffing efficiencies can be achieved (e.g.
adjacent to clinical support areas); and
- the staff areas must allow staff to easily move to and from the patient area, and the
entry/reception/waiting zone.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 9

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

DESIGN
Access

155.016.000 EXTERNAL
502000
The entrance to the Ambulatory Care Unit will require all-weather protection and allow for
vehicle drop-off.
Depending on the services located within the Ambulatory Care Unit (e.g. clinical diagnostic
services), facilities may also be accessed by inpatients or bed bound residents from
residential aged care facilities. Access for these patients needs to be considered in the
design to separate ambulatory and bed movements.

Disaster Management

155.018.000 For information on disaster management refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part B: Section 80
500870 General Requirements.

Infection Control

155.019.000 Consideration of infection control is important in the design and operation of an

500871 Ambulatory Care Unit. Infection control considerations specific to an Ambulatory Care
Unit include:
- hand hygiene facilities, including basins and alcohol-based hand rub, readily available
in all clinical areas;
- clean and dirty flows within clinical rooms such as consult, treatment and procedure
rooms; and
- shared use of treatment spaces. For example, in smaller services, renal dialysis and
infusion services may operate in the same environment. To avoid issues associated
with these arrangements, patients may be scheduled at different times.
For additional information refer to jurisdictional policies as well as:
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part D: Infection Prevention and Control; and
- NHMRC, 2010, Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in
Healthcare (2010).

Environmental Considerations

155.021.000 ACOUSTICS
501599
Many functions undertaken within an Ambulatory Care Unit require consideration of
acoustic privacy including:
- discussions / interviews with patients;
- exclusion of disturbing or distracting noises during patient consultations / treatment;
- isolation of noisy areas such as public waiting; and
- staff discussions regarding patient information.
Solutions to be considered include:
- selection of sound absorbing materials and finishes;
- use of sound isolating construction;

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 10

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

- planning separation of quiet areas from noisy areas; and

- changes to operational management.

155.022.000 NATURAL LIGHT

501600
Natural lighting should be maximised throughout the Unit as it:
- contributes to a sense of wellbeing;
- assists users in orientation; and
- improves service outcomes.

155.024.000 INTERIOR DECOR

500229
Some colours and patterns can be disturbing to some patients. Colour schemes should not
negatively impact on clinical observation in consultation and treatment areas.

Space Standards and Components

155.025.000 ERGONOMICS
500875
Refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 730, Human Engineering.

155.026.000 HUMAN ENGINEERING

500874
Human engineering covers those aspects of design that permit effective, safe and dignified
use of facilities by all people including those with disabilities.
Refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 730, Human Engineering.

155.027.000 ACCESS AND MOBILITY

500876
Many patients visiting an Ambulatory Care Unit may use various aids to assist with
mobility. These mobility aids should be allowed for in spatial allocations and room and
corridor dimensions. It is important to consider where mobility aids will be stored while
treatment is in progress.
A mobile or ceiling mounted hoist should be available in a selected consult or treatment
room to assist in the movement of immobile or bariatric patients.
The management of bariatric patients will need to be considered to ensure a safe and
dignified environment is provided.
Refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 710, Design for Access, Mobility, OHS and
Security.

155.027.010 DOORS
960896
Doorways must be positioned, oriented and dimensioned to permit the manoeuvring of
wheelchairs, trolleys and equipment without risk of damage to the doorway or the item
being moved and without creating manual handling risks. While a clear opening of 910
mm will be sufficient in most cases, a clear opening of 1,400 mm will be required to
provide access and room to manoeuvre large wheelchairs, trolleys and beds etc.
Refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 710, Design for Access, Mobility, OHS and
Security.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 11

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

Safety and Security

155.028.010 SAFETY
960897
Ambulatory Care Units should provide a safe and secure environment for visitors and staff
while promoting a non-threatening and supportive atmosphere conducive to the delivery
of services.
The facility, furniture, fittings and equipment must be designed and constructed in such a
way that users of the facility are not exposed to avoidable risks of injury.
While ambulatory care spaces may be accessed by patients with mental health conditions,
the facility will not routinely be designed with mental health finishes. It is expected most
spaces will not be dedicated and will be shared where possible. A second egress from
interview, consult and treatment rooms must be included where there is a risk that
patients may become violent.
Services that operate outside of normal business hours should be located within the
Ambulatory Care Unit to maximise the safety of staff and patients.

155.028.020 SECURITY
960898
The configuration of zones should offer a high standard of security by grouping like
functions and controlling access to clinical and staff areas within the Ambulatory Care Unit
using access control systems. Reception desks and staff stations should oversight entry
points and waiting areas.
Larger services may benefit from providing smaller distributed waiting spaces that can
reduce noise and stress.
Duress alarm system points should be located at each reception, staff station and within
each patient space such as a consult or interview room. The furniture within the room
should be arranged so staff can exit quickly and easily.
Security issues to be considered in Ambulatory Care Units are detailed in the Security
Checklist in the Appendices.
Also refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 790, Safety and Security Precautions.

Finishes

155.030.000 WALL PROTECTION

500091
For further information relating to wall protection, refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C:
Section 710, Space Standards and Dimensions.

155.031.000 FLOOR FINISHES

500093
Floor finishes should suit the function of the space. For further information relating to
floor finishes, refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 710, Space Standards and
Dimensions.

155.032.000 CEILING FINISHES

500094
Ceiling finishes should be selected with regard to appearance, cleaning, acoustics and
access to building services. In most cases, acoustic ceiling tiles will be used. For further
information relating to ceiling finishes, refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 710,
Space Standards and Dimensions.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 12

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment

155.033.000 Room Data and Room Layout Sheets in the AusHFG specify fixtures, fittings and equipment
500885 (FFE).
The FFE specified for each clinical space should consider:
- generic approaches where possible to increase utilisation and flexibility; and
- specialist requirements that will influence fixed equipment and minimum dimensions
of particular rooms (e.g. ophthalmology consult room).
Refer to the Room Data Sheets (RDS) and Room Layout Sheets (RLS) as well as:
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 710, Space Standards and Dimensions; and
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part F: Section 680 Furniture Fittings and Equipment.

Building Service Requirements

155.034.000 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

500886
This Unit will manage a diverse range of patients. When located on a healthcare campus it
may have functional links to many other departments. Reliable and effective information
and communications technology systems are essential for the efficient and effective
functioning of the Unit.
Unit design should address information technology and communications issues including:
- electronic health care records;
- hand-held computers or tablets;
- electronic booking systems;
- self-registration and/or wayfinding systems;
- telehealth, either fixed or mobile solutions;
- Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS);
- Patient Administration System (PAS);
- paging, messaging and personal telephones replacing some aspects of call systems;
- point of care clinical systems including medication scripts and diagnostic requests;
- logistics systems such as pneumatic tube systems;
- communication and wayfinding systems; and
- bar coding for supplies.
All clinical rooms will need to be equipped or made ready for the equipment necessary to
support electronic health records, prescribing and booking systems. Local jurisdictions
may choose to centralise printing equipment rather than providing these in each clinical
room. Selected clinical and meeting spaces should be suitable for the use of fixed or
mobile telehealth systems.
Also refer to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part B: Section 80 General Requirements.

155.035.000 CALL SYSTEMS AND MESSAGING

500887
All clinical spaces should have access to a call system that:
- includes emergency call so staff can summon urgent assistance; and
- allows patients and staff to alert nurses and other health care staff.
Call systems must be designed and installed to comply with Standards Australia, 1998, AS
3811 - Hard wired Patient Alarm Systems.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 13

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

155.035.010 ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE

960899
The electrical power distribution system in the Ambulatory Care Unit has the potential to
cause interference to electro-diagnostic equipment such as electrocardiographs (ECG),
electroencephalographs (EEG), electromyographs (EMG) and other diagnostic equipment.
Every effort should be made to ensure diagnostic rooms are located distant from high
current plant and equipment (e.g. as lifts, medical imaging equipment, air conditioning
machinery), electrical distribution boards, local switchboards, low voltage or high voltage
feeder cables and any other source of mains frequency radiation.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 14

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

COMPONENTS OF THE UNIT

Standard Components

155.038.000 Standard Components (SC) refer to rooms / spaces for which Room Data Sheets (RDS) and
502002 Room Layout Sheets (RLS) (drawings) have been developed. These RDS and RLS
documents are available on the AusHFG website and their availability is indicated by “Yes”
in the SC column of the Schedule of Accommodation.
Standard components are provided to assist with the development of a project. Their use
is not mandatory and, if used, can be edited to be project specific. Refer to separately
itemised RDS and RLS and to AHIA, AusHFG: Standard Components - Room Data Sheets
(RDS) and Room Layout Sheets (RLS).

Non-Standard Components

155.040.000 Non-standard components are unit-specific and provided in accordance with specific
501561 operational policies and service demand. These non-standard components for Ambulatory
Care Units are detailed below.

155.044.000 PATIENT BAY - HOLDING

500891
Description and Function
A patient bay for holding of patients on trolleys pre or post treatment and/or consultation.
This space is optional and depends on operational policy. It may be used for patients from
other facilities such as residential aged care facilities.
Location and Relationships
The Patient Bay - Holding should have direct access to the reception area and toilets and
be directly accessed from the airlock (where provided). Visibility from the reception area is
required for both security and patient assistance. Patient dignity and privacy must be
considered and an agreed level of both visual and acoustic privacy should be achieved.

155.044.010 TREATMENT ROOM - MENTAL HEALTH

960900
Description and Function
A treatment room which is used to store medications and for treatment of mental health
patients (e.g. injections). A secondary egress door is required. Lockable storage is required
for medications including an imprest store and drug safe for accountable drugs. Other
requirements include an examination couch and some storage for consumables. Medical
gases will not routinely be provided.
Location and Relationships
This room should be located near other clinical rooms used by mental health services. It
can be used by other services when not required for mental health treatments.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 15

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

APPENDICES
Schedule of Accommodation

155.049.000 The services profile and size of an Ambulatory Care Unit varies depending on the service
500918 location and role delineation/service level.
A generic Schedule of Accommodation is shown below and lists generic spaces that can be
combined to form an Ambulatory Care Unit. Sizes and quantities of each space will be
determined in accordance with service need and operational policy.

155.049.010 ENTRY/RECEPTION/WAITING
960901

Room/Space SC Qty x Area Qty x Area Qty x Area Remarks

m2 m2 m2

Airlock Yes 1 x 10 1 x 10 1 x 10 Only provided when located

on a stand-alone site or
where a dedicated external
entry is provided.

Reception Yes 1x9 1x9 1 x 12

Store - Files Yes 1x6 1x8 1 x 10 Not required if paperless

systems are being used.

Waiting Yes 1 x 15 1 x 28 1 x 40 Waiting will be arranged to

achieve separation between
groups and ages.

Play Area Yes 1 x 10 1 x 10 1 x 10

Bay – Water Fountain Yes Shared 1x1 1x1

Toilet - Accessible Yes 1x5 1x5 1x5

Toilet - Public Yes 1x3 1x3 2x3

Parenting Room Yes Shared Shared 1x6 Optional inclusion if not

located nearby.

155.049.020 PATIENT AREAS

960902
Notes:
- Note 1: The clinical rooms indicated below are indicative only.
- Note 2: Add 2m2 if rooms are used for mental health services. Additional space
allocated for second egress.
- Note 3: In smaller health services, medical day treatment spaces and rooms may be
used for a variety of functions including IV therapy services, chemotherapy and renal
dialysis.

Room/Space SC Qty x Area Qty x Area Qty x Area Remarks

m2 m2 m2

OUTPATIENT CLINICS 6 ROOMS 12 ROOMS 16 ROOMS See Note 1 above.

Consult Room Yes 5 x 12 10 x 12 12 x 12

Interview Room Yes 1 x 12 1 x 12 1 x 12 See Note 2 above.

Treatment Room Yes - 1 x 14 2 x 14

Treatment Room - Mental Health 1 x 14 1 x 14 1 x 14 Inclusion only needed where

community mental health

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 16

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

Room/Space SC Qty x Area Qty x Area Qty x Area Remarks

m2 m2 m2
services are part of the scope.

Meeting Room Yes - 1 x 20(o) 1 x 20(o) Use for group activities

and/or education.

Toilet - Patient Yes 1x4 1x4 1x4 Additional visitor amenities

are provided at the entry.

MEDICAL DAY TREATMENT UNIT 4 SPACES 6 SPACES 12 SPACES See Note 2 above.

Patient Bay - Acute Treatment Yes 4x9 5x9 11 x 9 Acute treatment spaces; may
include dialysis chair.

1 Bed Room (Class S Isolation) Yes - 1 x 12 1 x 12 Allocation is indicative only

and inclusion will be
dependent on local
requirements.

Ensuite Yes 1x5 1x5

Patient Bay - Holding 1x6 1x6 1x6 Pre/post treatment; inclusion

depends on operational
policy.

Toilet - Patient Yes 1x4 1x4 2x4 Additional visitor amenities

are provided at the entry.

155.049.030 CLINICAL SUPPORT

960903
Notes:
- Note 4: For specific requirements to support renal dialysis service or chemotherapy
production, refer to HPU 620 Renal Dialysis Unit and HPU 560 Pharmacy Unit. This
information has not been included in this Schedule of Accommodation.
- Note 5: Services with large teaching roles may require a staff only corridor or similar
arrangement to facilitate supervision and easy access. This space has not been
included in the clinical support space.

Room/Space SC Qty x Area Qty x Area Qty x Area Remarks

m2 m2 m2

Bay - Beverage Yes 1 x 4(o) 1 x 4(o) 1 x 4(o) May be shared between

entry and treatment areas.

Bay - Linen Yes 1x2 1x2 1x2 Includes storage for pillows.

Bay - Pathology Yes - - 1 x 3(o) Optional.

Bay - Resuscitation Trolley Yes 1 x 1.5 1 x 1.5 1 x 1.5

Cleaner's Room Yes Shared Shared 1x8 Shared with an adjacent

service.

Clean Utility Yes 1 x 10 1 x 12 1 x 14 Incl. medications, may also be

used for pre-packaged
cytotoxic drug storage.

Dirty Utility Yes 1x8 1x8 1 x 10 May include Disposal Room

function when dedicated
room not provided.

Disposal Room Yes Shared Shared 1x8 Shared with an adjacent

service.

Office - Clinical Workroom Yes - - 1 x 12 Staff work, handovers, etc.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 17

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

Room/Space SC Qty x Area Qty x Area Qty x Area Remarks

m2 m2 m2

Staff Station Yes 1x8 1 x 10 1 x 12

Store - Equipment Yes 1x8 1x9 1 x 12 Combined.

Store - General Yes - - 1x9

155.049.040 STAFF AREAS

960904

Room/Space SC Qty x Area Qty x Area Qty x Area Remarks

m2 m2 m2

Meeting - Medium Yes - - 1 x 18

Office - Single Person 9m2 Yes - - 1x9 Optional. Nursing Manager,

dependent on local
management arrangements.

Office – Workstation 5.5m2 Yes - 1 x 5.5 1 x 5.5

Office – Workstation 4.4m2 Yes 1 x 4.4 1 x 4.4 1 x 4.4

Property Bay - Staff Yes 1x2 1x2 1x2 Indicative only and space
allocation will be dependent
on staff numbers and local
policies.

Toilet - Staff Yes Shared 1x3 1x3 Number in accordance with

staff profile.

CIRCULATION 32% 32% 32%

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 18

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

Functional Relationships Diagram/s

155.049.050 The following diagram illustrates the relationships between functional areas in an
960905 Ambulatory Care Unit.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 19

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

Checklists

155.050.000 A security checklist for an Ambulatory Care Unit is attached to this document. Refer also
500923 to AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Design for Access, Mobility, OHS and Security, Space
Standards and Dimensions.

Further Reading

155.051.010 - NSW Health PD2013_010 Non-Admitted Patient Activity Reporting Requirements,

960906 June 2013
- NSW Health Protecting People and Property - NSW Health Policy and Standards for
Security Risk Management in NSW Health Agencies, 2013 (particular reference to
Chapter 15 Security in the Clinical Environment)
- Queensland Health Design Considerations and Summary of Evidence: Children's
Emergency, Inpatient and Ambulatory Health Services (19 Aug 2010)
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/qhpolicy/docs/gdl/qh-gdl-374-6.pdf
- Victorian Government, Department of Health, Specialist Clinics in Victorian Public
Hospitals – Access Policy, 2013
- WA Health, Metropolitan Health Service – Specialist Outpatient Services Access Policy,
February 2007

References

155.053.000 - AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Design for Access, Mobility, OHS and Security, Space
960907 Standards and Dimensions, Australasian Health Facility Guidelines, Australasian
Health Infrastructure Alliance (AHIA), Sydney, NSW.
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part B: Section 80 General Requirements, Australasian Health
Facility Guidelines, Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance (AHIA), Sydney NSW.
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part D: Infection Prevention and Control, Australasian Health
Facility Guidelines, Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance (AHIA), Sydney NSW.
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 730, Human Engineering, Australasian Health
Facility Guidelines, Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance (AHIA), Sydney, NSW.
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 710, Design for Access, Mobility, OHS and
Security, Australasian Health Facility Guidelines, Australasian Health Infrastructure
Alliance (AHIA), Sydney, NSW.
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 710, Space Standards and Dimensions,
Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance (AHIA), Sydney, NSW.
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part C: Section 790, Safety and Security Precautions, AHIA, AHIA,
Sydney, NSW.
- AHIA, 2010, AusHFG Part F: Section 680 Furniture Fittings and Equipment,
Australasian Health Facility Guidelines, Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance
(AHIA), Sydney, NSW.
- AHIA, 0001, AusHFG: Standard Components - Room Data Sheets (RDS) and Room
Layout Sheets (RLS), Australasian Health Facility Guidelines, AHIA, North Sydney, NSW.
- NHMRC, 2010, Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in
Healthcare (2010), Australian Government, Canberra, Australia.
- Standards Australia, 1998, AS 3811 - Hard wired Patient Alarm Systems, Standards
Australia, Sydney, Australia.

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 20

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

ATTACHMENTS

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 21

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014
 Australasian Health Facility Guidelines

Security Checklist for Ambulatory Care Unit

FACILITY DEPARTMENT: Ambulatory Care

RISK ISSUE DESIGN RESPONSE
1. Is access to patient records restricted to staff entitled to
that access?
2. Is a system implemented to prevent theft of equipment,
files, personal possessions, etc?
3. Are drug safes, where required, installed in accordance
with current regulations?
4. How is this area secured during and after hours?

5. Are there lockable storage areas available for

specialised equipment?
6. Is lockable space in pedestal or lockers provided for
storage of staff personal effects?
7. Is waiting area appropriately designed to include, where
appropriate:
− barrier between patients and staff;
− appropriate seating for patients;
− absence of loose fittings;
− vending machines;
− TV
8. Are consult/ treatment and interview rooms
appropriately designed with specific reference to staff
egress, furniture selection, furniture location, provision
for storage of equipment, etc.
9. Is there an adequate duress alarm system that meets
required standards?
10. Are offices for Post-Acute Care staff (if provided) who
work after hours, easily accessible to secure entry point,
toilets and beverage area?
11. Is a secure entry point provided for after-hours staff,
including movement between car parking areas and the
facility?
DESIGN COMMENTARY I NOTES DESIGN SIGN-OFF

Name: ............................................
Position: ……………………………….
Signature: ……………………………….

Date: ……………………………….

Name: ………………………………..
Position: ……………………………….
Signature: ……………………………
Date: ……………………………
Name: ………………………………
Position: …………………………………
Signature: ………………………………...
Date: ………………………………..

Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning Page 22

155 - Ambulatory Care Unit, Revision 5.0, 15 December 2014