DescriptionA Patient Bay - Holding provides facilities for patient holding and preparation prior to examination, diagnostic imaging, treatment, procedures or surgery.Hours of OperationUp to 24 hours (dependent on unit operating hours)Occupancy1 patient; 1 visitor; 1-2 staff intermittentlyAdditional Considerations~ A handwashing basin will be provided close by to be shared between multiple bays.
~ Staff observation is required and, where possible, a clear line of sight from a staff station is to be provided. Close access to a patient toilet is required.
~ The configuration of the Medical Services Panel (MSP), including medical gases, power and data, will be dependent on service requirements. Data provision is to take into consideration the increasing demand and sophistication of information systems and the technological development of monitoring equipment.
~ The requirement for fixed wall mounted patient monitoring will be dependent on service requirements. A patient monitor may be located on the left or right side of bedhead depending on monitor functionality and staff workflows. Appropriate wall supports are required for mounting the bracket where a monitor is provided.
~ Where patient monitoring is provided, criticality of monitoring is to be assessed. Provision of emergency/standby power or UPS is to be confirmed to suit site and service requirements. Confirmation to be based on risk assessment considering the impact of a power outage on patient care/safety.
~ Facilities to accommodate bariatric patients within a select number of bays, including accommodating bariatric beds, is to be considered to ensure sufficient amenity is provided. Provision will be dependent on service and patient cohort requirements.
~ Patient transfer aids such as mobile hoists, patient slides and hover mats are to be considered for assisted patient transfers to and from beds in holding bays. A ceiling mounted hoist may also be considered for patient transfers. Selection of transfer aids will be dependent on service and patient cohort requirements as well as WHS risk assessment. Appropriate ceiling support is required for the provision of a ceiling mounted hoist.
~ Depending on service requirements, enclosed holding bays may be provided. Where a Patient Bay is to be enclosed, additional area is required to accommodate a dedicated handwashing basin and circulation at the door. Observation windows may be required and the extent of glazing to be provided is to suit requirements for staff supervision.
~ PPE may be consolidated between multiple bays. Provision of PPE and placement throughout the overall department will be dependent on local infection control policies.
~ A mobile sharps bin will be shared between multiple bays as required. Where use of sharps is frequent, a wall mounted bin sharps bin may be considered.
~ Electronic Medical Record (EMR) management may be performed on a wirelessly connected workstation on wheels (WOW) that is shared between a number of bays. Ensure circulation space is sufficient for bedside and bed end data entry. Parking for WOWs and facilities for battery charging are required to support this model of care. Alternative configurations, such as wall mounted monitors in bays, may be considered depending on local ICT policies.
~ Patient entertainment systems may be considered depending on anticipated length of stay within the holding bay and patient cohort requirements (e.g. paediatrics). Solutions may include individual systems provided to each bay (with integration to patient handset for audio and content control), a central display screen visible from multiple bays, or portable solutions, such as tablets, brought to patients as needed.
~ Operational models for handling patient belongings are to be considered. Close proximity to patient lockers or other secure property storage may be required where belongings are not to be kept with the patient.
~ Depending on anticipated length of stay and pre-procedure requirements, local control of lighting within the bay may be provided to allow patients to dim/adjust lighting level to increase comfort.
~ Access to natural light is required and an external outlook is recommended.