DescriptionThe Triage - Emergency, Assessment Counter provides the space, equipment and services for initial assessment of patients presenting to the Emergency Unit.Hours of Operation24 hoursOccupancy1 patient; 1 visitor / support person; 1 staffAdditional Considerations~ Multiple Triage Assessment Counters may be arranged together and may be combined the Reception - Emergency (RECP-E). If not directly connected to the Reception - Emergency, the triage assessment counters should be in close proximity. When multiple Triage and Reception Standard Components are combined, the final overall room configuration should include an egress that takes staff behind the secure line of the Emergency Unit.
~ Provision of a window for visual access from Reception - Emergency (when these rooms are collocated) may be considered to ensure staff are not isolated in the front of house area.
~ Clear line of sight to the waiting room is recommended for observation when the triage nurse is not with a patient.
~ Direct access to a Type B handwash basin is required. This basin is to be shared between multiple Triage Assessment Counters. Refer to Part D: Infection Prevention and Control for more information.
~ This Standard Component shows a counter where patients would be assessed while standing. Counters may be provided as standing height or seated height, or a mix of both, with at least one counter to provide wheelchair access as per AS1428.1 / NZS 4121. Where only one triage counter is provided, the configuration must meet requirements for wheelchair access (AS1428.1 or NZS 4121).
~ Configuration of the security glazing (size of communication slot, size of pass-through aperture for samples/paperwork, ability to use small diagnostic equipment, etc.) is to be determined at project level to suit clinical service 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.
~ Acoustic treatment requirements are to be determined suit patient privacy requirements and reduce potential noise transfer to/from the adjacent waiting area. 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.
~ A patient flow/journey board should be located in a shared area nearby to Triage Assessment Counters/Rooms.
~ Ready access to height and weight measurement facilities, including baby weighing, is recommended.
~ Ready access to medications, including refrigerated medications, is required. Depending on model of care, access to a separate refrigerator for icepacks, oral rehydration solutions, etc. may also be required to support waiting room medicine.
~ 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.
~ 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.
~ The type, extent and configuration of storage within the room for consumables will be dependent on clinical services requirements, operational policies for stock centralisation/decanting and IPC policies.
~ Size, type and quantity of waste bins provided will be dependent on clinical services requirements, operational models for waste management (including separation of waste streams and frequency of waste removal) and local infection prevention and control (IPC) policies. Bins may be located in an area shared between multiple triage counters.
~ The requirement for Body Protection under AS/NZS 3003 is to be determined at project level depending on the use of medical equipment within the space and proximity of the counter to adjacent patient areas.
~ Provision and extent of emergency/standby power and/or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is to be confirmed to suit clinical services requirements and site conditions. Confirmation of power requirements is to be based on risk assessment considering the impact of a power outage on patient care/safety and medical equipment specifications.
~ Provision of cleaner’s power outlets is to be rationalised across the department and spaced in accordance with AS/NZS 3003.