Assignment 1 Q1: Identify and explain four variables/factors that a hospital needs to consider in layout design.

We must to consider the following variables : Security, how to protect patients and specially babies; Nursing Efficiency, it is crucial that nurses dont spend too much time walking around the facility; Meal and Supply efficiencies, food have to be delivered warm and supplies on time; Space, for visitors, family members and capacitation; Privacy, a very important variable because this can give to the patients the serenity and peace they need; Location, x-ray, laboratories, management, pharmacy, etc. must have a specific place in the layout and finally incorporate areas for medical and non-medical personnel. Q2: Explain the advantage of the circular pod design (Figure 2) over the traditional linear hallway (Figure 1) layout found in most hospitals. One of the advantages of the circular pod design is that is much easier for nurses to see and reach each room, this means that the travel time for nurses will be minimized, but not only will save time, will give more medical efficiency for doctors and staff in general. In addition, the circular pod system can supply two rooms at the same time and this is something that the traditional linear hallway is limited. Q3: (i) Discuss the concept of servicescapes. Concept of servicescapes is a term created by Professor Mary Jo Bitner and deals with ambient conditions, spatial layout and signs/symbols/artifacts. Physical evidence may be likened to 'landscape'. It includes facilities exterior (landscape, exterior design, signage, parking, surrounding environment) and facilities interior (interior design & decor, equipment, signage, layout, air quality, temperature and ambiance).

(ii) Apply this concept to provide two examples of its use in layout design specifically for the childrens ward. Describe the layout design. The servicescapes apply for a childrens ward, for example, play areas, pictures, artwork done by children indicate that the place is warm and safe for everybody. Q4: Referring to Figure 1. Nurse A travels 6 trips from the nursing station to each of the 12 patient rooms (back and forth), 20 trips to the medical supply room, 5 trips to the break room, and 12 trips to the linen supply room. Calculate the total distance travelled in miles. Use only the data given. The total distance travelled for a nurse A during the day, her total distance in feet will be: 6 trips x 2 (round trip) x 2x(20+30+40+50+60+70) + 20 trips medical supply x 2 x 50 + 5 trips break room x 2 x 40 + 12trips linen room x 2 x 30 = 6480 + 2000 + 400 + 720 = 9600 foot , that is in equivalent to 1.8181= 1.82 miles travelled.

Q5: Referring to Figure 2. Nurse B travels 7 trips from the nursing pod to each of the 12 rooms (back and forth), 20 trips to central medical supply, 6 trips to the break room, and 12 trips to the pod linen supply. How many miles does she walk during her shift? Assume that each room is 14 feet from the pods local nursing station. The break rooms and the central medical station are each about 60 feet from the local nursing pod. Pod linen supply rooms are also 14 feet from the local nursing station. Use only the data given. The nurse B distance will be : 7 trips x 2 (round trip) x 12 rooms x 14 + 20 trips x 2 x 60 + 6 trips to Break Room x 2 x 60 + 12 trips to Pod Linen Supply x 2 x 14 = 2352 + 2400 + 720 + 336 =5808 foot = 1.1 miles. (i) Redraw a simple layout of this hospital.

(ii)

Compare the distance travelled / number of trips between Nurse A and Nurse B.

The difference of travel between nurse A and nurse B is 1.82 miles 1.1 miles = 0.71 miles, but we have to notice that the data is different for both nurses.