DescriptionThe Staff Station - Emergency, Control Hub provides the space, equipment and services for a central operational and administrative base of an Emergency Unit. It supports the coordination of patient care, patient flow, and ambulance arrivals as well as overseeing central monitoring, security feeds and the ambulance phone. Alternatively, depending on operational models, ICT strategies and policies, staffing profile, size and complexity of the service, etc., these functions may be distributed/duplicated across the Emergency Unit.Hours of Operation24 hoursOccupancy3 staff (with up to 2 additional staff intermittently)Additional Considerations~ This Standard Component indicates 3 x workstations (providing a base workstation for 1 x doctor-in-charge, 1 x nurse-in-charge and 1 x clerk), with an additional workstation area for central monitoring. The number of workstations required will vary depending on operational models, staffing models and the size and complexity of the service.
~ One computer workstation has been shown as a downtime workstation with provision of UPS power. Requirements for and location of downtime facilities will need to be confirmed to meet clinical services requirements, operational models for downtime, and local ICT policies. Provision of downtime computers will need to be rationalised across the unit to avoid unnecessary duplication.
~ The Staff Station - Emergency, Control Hub may be enclosed (e.g. with security glazing and lockable doors) or other physical design/planning solutions may be considered (e.g. increased counter depth, egress to secure area) for staff safety and security. Requirements are to be determined at project level based on a risk assessment. If provided, security glazing configuration (inclusion/size of communication slot, size of pass-through apertures for paperwork, etc.) is to be determined at project level to suit clinical services requirements and operational models.
~ The requirement for the inclusion of hearing augmentation systems (e.g. hearing aid induction loops, or solutions that require infrared, radio frequency, or Wi-Fi systems) and associated items (microphones, signage, etc.) is to be confirmed at project level, in consultation with accessibility experts, to suit the configuration of the counter and security glazing.
~ The quantity and type of display screens required to oversee and control the flow of patients throughout the Emergency Department (including ambulance arrivals, patient flow and security feeds) are to be confirmed at project level to suit clinical services requirements and operational models.
~ If overall department planning results in rooms being accessed from behind the Staff Station, additional area for appropriate door circulation clearances will be required.
~ Mobile duress coverage is to be assessed and planned at a department level and coverage is to meet local security and WHS policies as well as operational service requirements.
~ A wall clock should be visible from all clinical areas in the Emergency unit. The location and type of clocks provided, including any required connection to a master clock system, is to be determined at a project level.
~ Acoustic treatments may be considered to assist with reducing noise transfer from adjacent spaces. All acoustic finishes must meet IPC requirements (Refer to Part D: Infection Prevention and Control for more information).
~ Provision of height adjustable workstations in lieu of fixed joinery benches may be considered at project level and provision should be in line with local WHS policies. Where height adjustable workstations are provided the location of services and the interaction of the moving workstation surface with the static public facing counter must be carefully considered.
~ Placement and visibility of nurse annunciators in adjacent corridors must be considered and coordinated with other ceiling elements such as bulkheads.
~ The type, extent and configuration of storage within the room for stationery and consumables will be dependent on service requirements, operational models and ICT policies and strategies. This includes considering the facility’s use of electronic medical records (EMR) as well as the need to store any remaining paper forms.
~ Size, type and quantity of waste bins will be dependent on clinical service requirements, operational models for waste management and local infection prevention and control (IPC) policies.
~ The requirement for Body Protection under AS/NZS 3003 is to be determined at project level depending on the proximity of the counter to adjacent patient areas.
~ Provision of emergency/standby power or uninterruptible power supply (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.
~ Wall mounted fire services items may be included in the Staff Station or provided nearby in a conspicuous and readily accessible position including a mimic panel, warden intercom phone, manual call point, break glass alarm, portable fire extinguisher and fire blanket. A ceiling mounted visual alarm device may also be provided in the Staff Station or in an adjacent corridor. Inclusion of these items in the Staff Station will be dependent on the overall department layout. Location, mounting heights and clearances to meet AS1670.1 and AS2444.
~ Provision of cleaner’s power outlets is to be rationalised across the department and spaced in accordance with AS/NZS 3003.