Circulation and Capacities Studies

CAN INCLUDE:-

HOUSEKEEPING

1) Location of Janitors' Closets
2) All areas to be covered
3) One in each clinical department
4) One in each ward etc.

KITCHEN

1) Flow of incoming food all the way to consumption
- Receipt
- Storage - refrigeration
- Preparation
- Holding
- Meal preparation - line conveyor
- Delivery to wards
- Serving at restaurant - serving line
- Collection and disposal
- Garbage system

2) Racking

3) Range and capacities of kitchen equipment

4) Tableware

LABORATORIES

1) Numbers expected
2) Range of tests required

LAUNDRY

1) Distribution of linen
- Circulation within wards
- Collection of dirty linen from ward to laundry

2) Circulation of linen within laundry
- Arrival sorting
- Sorting washing
- Washing drying
- Drying ironing and/or pressing
- Ironing storage

3) Issuing of clean linen from laundry to wards

4) Issuing of linen to other areas - eg, towels to physiotherapy

5) Range and capacities of laundry equipment

MEDICAL RECORDS

1) Storage
2) Distribution

OFFICES

1) Distribution of mail

OUTPATIENTS

1) Expected numbers
2) Pharmacy, physiotherapy, x-ray etc.

PATIENT TROLLEYS

Eg, "stretcher trolleys"

PHARMACY

1) Distribution of medication

PORTERAGE

1) Scope and positioning

STERILE SUPPLIES

1) Capacities of sterilizers and washers
2) Distribution and circulation
3) Range and quantity of surgical instruments

STORES

SURGERY

1) Day surgery
2) Expected numbers
3) Types of operations

TOILETS

1) Disabled access ("full access toilets")
2) Patients (grab bars etc.)
3) Staff
4) Visitors

VISITORS

WASTE DISPOSAL

1) Bag system
2) Trolleys, bins etc.


Consistent use of terminology:-

Trucks-v-Trolleys-v-Carts
- trucks have a handle (or towing bar)
- trolleys are either tall or long
- carts are small and low (hip height)