Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design

Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Part B – Health Facility Briefing & Design

265 Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

International Health Facility Guidelines

2023

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 1
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Table of Contents
265 REHABILITATION – ALLIED HEALTH UNIT .............................................................................. 3
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 3
2 FUNCTIONAL & PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................................... 4
3 UNIT PLANNING MODELS .................................................................................................................. 6
4 FUNCTIONAL AREAS......................................................................................................................... 6
5 FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS.......................................................................................................... 10
6 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS .............................................................................................................. 12
7 COMPONENTS OF THE UNIT ............................................................................................................ 15
8 SCHEDULE OF EQUIPMENT (SOE)................................................................................................... 17
9 SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATION .................................................................................................... 18
10 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING ......................................................................................... 23

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 2
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

265 Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

1 Introduction
The prime function of the Rehabilitation - Allied Health Unit is to provide a multi-disciplinary
rehabilitation service care in which the clinical intent or treatment goal is to improve the functional
status of a patient with an impairment, disability or handicap.
The Unit must also provide facilities and conditions to meet the needs of patients and visitors as
well as the workplace requirements of staff. All ages from children to the elderly may be treated in
the Unit. Almost all patients attending the Rehabilitation Unit are physically incapacitated to some
extent, many of whom use wheelchairs or walking aids and - increasingly - motorised chairs that
have implications for parking and recharging. Many patients may be disfigured (burns, throat
surgery etc.) and require a non-threatening, private environment. Patients may require access to
interpreter services.
Description
The disciplines incorporated in the Rehabilitation - Allied Health Service may include (but are not
limited to):
▪ Physiotherapy including gait analysis
▪ Occupational Therapy including diversional therapy
▪ Clinical Psychology
▪ Orthotics
▪ Speech Therapy
▪ Podiatry
▪ Audiology
▪ Dietetics
▪ Social Work
Facilities for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy may vary greatly, ranging from large,
purpose-designed, central facilities for inpatients and/ or outpatients to basic on-ward or bedside
services. Extent of design and location of facilities will be affected by the presence or otherwise of
the following services (not exhaustive):
▪ Rehabilitation Medicine
▪ Aged Care
▪ Spinal Cord Injury Service
▪ Orthopedic Services
▪ Neurosciences (Strokes, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injuries etc)
▪ Amputees
▪ Hand Surgery/ Plastic Services
Speech Pathology plays a major role in Neonatal, Paediatric, ENT / Maxillofacial and neurological
services. In the absence of these, Speech Pathology may be provided on a part-time basis.
Children’s Hospitals or major Paediatric Services may generate their own specific spatial needs.
At higher Role Delineation Levels (e.g. RDL 5/6) it is possible that each discipline may have its
own discrete department but every attempt should be made to co-locate the therapy units to
maximise the potential for sharing and to facilitate multidisciplinary care.
The rehabilitation services may be supported by full time Social Work services. At RDL 4, Dietetics
and Podiatry are generally provided as part time services and can be incorporated into the Unit. At
RDL 5 & 6 they will have their own discrete Units and are excluded from the Schedule of
Accommodation at those levels.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 3
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology also play an important role in some aspects of service
provision and will need their own office/treatment areas or access to such shared facilities.
The Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit accommodates medical, surgical and some aged care patients.
In larger health facilities this Unit may include specialist medical and surgical patients, for example
cardiac, neurology / neurosurgery and orthopedic patients. For information on Rehabilitation
Inpatient Unit, refer to the separate FPU in Part B of these Guidelines.
Patient Characteristics
All ages from children to the frail aged may be treated. Almost all patients attending for
physiotherapy are physically incapacitated to some extent. Many of them may use wheelchairs or
walking aids and increasingly, motorised chairs that have implications for parking and recharging.
Many patients may be disfigured dur to burns, throat surgery etc. and require a non-threatening,
private environment.
2 Functional & Planning Considerations
Operation Models
The Operational Model provided in the Rehabilitation - Allied Health Unit is dependent on the level
of service of the facility and the clinical service plan of the Unit. This is also influenced by the need
to service various clinical specialties.
The Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit may be provided in a variety of settings such as:
▪ A Unit within a General, Specialized or Rehabilitation Hospital
▪ Attached to a Medical Centre or Polyclinic
▪ Stand-alone
Depending on the setting, the facilities of the Unit may be utilised by inpatients, outpatients and
long-term care for slow stream rehabilitation patients. It is expected that the majority of inpatients
accommodated in the Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit will attend the Unit on a daily basis. The
function of these two units (Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit and Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit) are
inter-related and the design may include areas common to both units. As with other areas of
healthcare, rehabilitation services are constantly evolving. This is particularly evident in the
following areas:
▪ Clinical development - many more categories of patients are able to be rehabilitated than
was previously considered feasible.
▪ Organisational development - the interrelationship of the various medical, nursing and allied
health services that participate in the rehabilitation process is of paramount importance.
▪ Technological development - advances in technology have developed techniques which will
ultimately become routine aspects of rehabilitation. Such developments include kinematic
analysis, electromyography and ergometry.
Hours of Operation
The Unit generally operates during business hours of weekdays with after-hours on-call
physiotherapy services available for Inpatient Units as required. Some departments may provide a
limited service on evenings and weekends. If used for health education classes (e.q. antenatal
classes), after-hours access may be required. If a hydrotherapy pool is part of the facility it may be
made available to the community after hours and on the weekends.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 4
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Models of Care
Traditionally the model of care has been one-to-one therapist to patient. Increasingly an educative
model is being used that assumes a staff to patient ratio of 1:4 or more and incorporates:
▪ Group sessions for peer support
▪ Group exercise classes
▪ Involvement of carers so that they can learn how much activity the patients can safely
tolerate at home and how best to support them
▪ Education programmes
There may need to be separate areas for Respiratory and Cardiac Rehabilitation, and General
Rehabilitation as the patients have differing needs of equipment. However, this will depend on the
number of sessions and the opportunity to share areas between different programmes.
Satellite Units
One of the problems in providing therapy services for inpatients within the Unit is patient transport
to and from hospital units, for example neuroscience patients whose attention span may be limited
and who need a quiet environment. It also requires either a portering service or use of valuable
therapist time in transport functions.
If distance from Inpatient Units to the Rehabilitation Therapy Areas is considerable, a small
satellite Unit may be considered mainly for physiotherapy, near the units most affected such as
Neuroscience & Orthopedics. Alternatively, a small Gym or multipurpose room within the Inpatient
Unit may serve such a purpose. This is referred to as the on-ward gym.
Hydrotherapy
Whilst there are differing opinions as to the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy, a comprehensive
Rehabilitation service will probably require access to a hydrotherapy pool. However, in other
circumstances the need for a pool should be carefully considered as the cost per unit of treatment
is high and conditions for which hydrotherapy is the only appropriate treatment are limited.
Hydrotherapy pools should only be provided where patient numbers can be justified and where the
pool is required for a minimum of four hours each day over five days a week. Utilisation of the pool
may be extended by making the pool available to groups within the community for their use at
times when it is not required for specific therapeutic purposes.
Gait Analysis Laboratory
Quantitative gait analysis is useful in objective assessment and documentation of walking ability
as well as identifying the underlying causes of walking abnormalities in patients with cerebral
palsy, stroke, head injury and other neuromuscular problems. The results of gait analysis have
been shown to be useful in determining the best course of treatment in these patients. Equipment
for gait analysis may be incorporated into a gymnasium.
Outdoor Gait Area
It is essential to provide mobility training on a range of uneven surfaces necessary for community
integration. Such surfaces are best simulated in an external courtyard area which may be a large
terrace. Outdoor areas and terraces need to be shaded and protected from harsh environmental
factors.
Day Patients
Patients attending a series of treatments by different therapists may be admitted as day patients
where stay is more than 4 hours. Day patients require an area for rest and refreshment between
treatment and access to patient transport services.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 5
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

3 Unit Planning Models

The extent, design and location of facilities are influenced by the service streams the
Rehabilitation - Allied Health Unit supports and the service plan of the facility. A ground floor
location may be ideal where the Unit services a majority of outpatients’ for convenient access.
Where the Unit provides services to both inpatients and outpatients a location convenient to both
areas would be preferable.
Depending upon the needs of the individual hospital it may be decided that the Rehabilitation -
Allied Health Unit will provide the location for the hospital's Acute Therapy Services. If such a
Policy is adopted, it may be necessary to upgrade the accommodation to provide:
▪ Additional therapy spaces for general acute inpatient and outpatient therapy
▪ Additional group office space for physiotherapists to write up notes
▪ Additional staff amenities
This Guideline defines functional spaces as discrete areas for defined activities. The Operational
Policy of a facility may compel the design team to view the various functions and activities within
the Unit from the framework of a team philosophy. Accordingly, patient flow would determine the
definition of spaces rather than individual allied health discipline.
4 Functional Areas
The Rehabilitation – Allied Health Units services may include Dietetics, Hydrotherapy,
Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Psychology, Speech Pathology and Social Work
depending on the Service Plan.
The Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit will include the following Functional Areas:
▪ Entry Reception Areas with:
- Waiting areas with gender separated
- Patient Holding Bays as required
- Patient amenities including drinking water and toilets
- Storage for wheelchairs, files and stationery
▪ Patient Therapy Areas that may include:
- Allied Health specialties such as Audiology, Speech Pathology, Clinical Psychology,
Dietetics, Social Work and Podiatry
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Hydrotherapy (optional)
▪ Support Areas that may be shared between disciplines including
- Clean and Dirty Utilities
- Cleaner’s Room
- Disposal room
- Plaster Room
- Interview Room/s
▪ Staff Areas including:
- Offices
- Meeting Rooms
- Staff Amenities with Shower, Toilets and Lockers
The above zones are briefly described below.
Entry Areas:
The entry canopy is required to provide dry access to the building. Design considerations include:
▪ Ensuring the covered area is large enough to allow vehicles such as taxis, buses, cars, and
emergency vehicles to manoeuvre beneath it, and is structured to facilitate free concurrent
traffic flow for multiple emergency vehicles
▪ The use of clear roofing material to maximise natural light inside the building.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 6
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

The Entrance Area best sited at ground floor level, is the first point of contact for members of the
community and should display clear directions informing people where to proceed. Design
considerations include:
▪ Vehicle access and Emergency vehicle is required at all times
▪ Entry facilities should be suitable for people with disabilities such as limited mobility and poor
vision
▪ The entry can incorporate an airlock space and may have sensor or automatically opening
doors to facilitate access
Reception/ Waiting Area
The Reception is the receiving hub of the Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit for patients and
arrivals and should be prominent and well signposted. The Reception also serves as the main
access control point for the Unit to ensure security of the Unit and may include patient registration
and cashier facilities where appropriate. The Reception/ Waiting Area may be shared by multiple
specialties and should be located to provide convenient access to Treatment Areas while allowing
access to Public and Disabled Amenities for patients and visitors.
Waiting Areas should be located at the Entry to the Unit and may also be decentralized, close to
Consult and Treatment Rooms. Separate Waiting Areas are required for Males and Females.
Waiting Areas should accommodate a wide range of occupants including children and those less
mobile (disability or in wheelchairs). Waiting Areas shall be provided with drinking water and
require convenient access to Public Amenities without accessing Treatment Area (or Staff Area).
An area should be provided near the entrance for parking wheelchairs and electric scooters with
power outlets for recharging when they are not in use. Cupboards may be provided over
wheelchairs for additional storage.
Patient Therapy Areas
Occupational Therapy:
Where an Occupational Therapy service is to be provided the following functions or facilities shall
be allowed for:
▪ Therapy and Workshop areas
▪ Office / Administrative areas
▪ Activity of Daily Living (ADL) including kitchen, dining, lounge, bedroom and computer room
▪ Availability of Accessible Toilet
Physiotherapy:
This facility service shall be allowed for:
▪ Individual treatment area provided for patient(s)
▪ Staff hand-washing facilities close to each treatment space; this may serve up to 4 treatment
spaces
▪ An exercise area with facilities appropriate for the level of intended service
▪ Clean linen storage; in the form of built-in cupboards, cabinets or on mobile storage trolleys
▪ Storage for equipment and supplies
▪ Storage for soiled linen and waste
▪ Patient dressing and changing with secure storage of clothing and valuables, showering and
toilet facilities
▪ Ice-making facilities to be available in or near the department
▪ Wall oxygen in patient waiting areas depending on service mode and access to appropriate
outdoor therapy areas
Hydrotherapy Pool (Optional)
The need for a Hydrotherapy Pool should be carefully considered. The cost per unit of treatment is
high and conditions for which hydrotherapy is the only appropriate treatment are limited.
International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 7
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Hydrotherapy pools should only be provided where patient numbers are appropriate and where
the pool is required for a minimum of four hours per day, five days per week.
The Hydrotherapy pool design requires consideration of the following:
▪ The recommended size of pool ‘modules’ is 2 m² x 2 m² per patient with a 1.2 m² ramp wide
(inclusion of stairs is optional)
▪ The pool shall be 1.1 m² to 1.3 m² in depth
▪ The recommended temperature is to be kept between 30 ° to 35 ° Celsius with an average of
31 ° Celsius
▪ A rectangular shape is recommended with the length of the pool generally one and a half
times the width (or based on modules of 2.5 m square plus the ramp)
▪ The recommended minimum depth is 800 mm at the shallow end and the maximum depth is
1500 mm at the deep end; with an average of 1.1 to 1.3 m². To optimize the use of a pool for
therapeutic purposes, consideration should be given to the average height of both the
shortest users and the tallest users
▪ The floor of the pool should contain no steps
▪ Steps are the accepted method of entry and exit. They also provides functional training and
should not intrude into the working area of the pool
▪ A hoist should be provided and placed at a depth where the therapist can stand and maintain
body balance to float the patient on and off the hoist without difficulty
▪ The ambient temperature should be lower than the water temperature for the comfort of a
patients and staff
▪ Humidity control needs to be provided to minimize condensation. A pool cover must be
provided to assist in maintaining privacy, water temperature and to reduce heating costs
▪ The lighting should allow the floor of the pool to be seen and should minimize reflection/ glare
off the surface of the water
▪ Non-slip surfaces shall be used for the pool surrounds. Ample space should be provided
around the pool for staff and patient movements as well as to provide space for patients who
are waiting to enter the pool or relaxing after leaving the pool. The building structure, including
all fittings should be rust-proof
▪ Gender separated change facilities including toilets are required for patients and staff; the
area is dependent upon the size of the pool and the expected number of users
▪ Adequate emergency call points should be provided; Emergency call points should also be
accessible from the concourse area and from within the pool
▪ Footbaths, foot sprays or showers may be considered in the design of the pool area
▪ Security design should address:
- Personal security of patients and staff
- Property security of patients and staff
- Unit premises and equipment
- Emergency access and egress
▪ Design should address the following storage requirements:
- Therapy equipment
- Consumables and pool supplies
- Pool aids and exercise equipment
- Personal property of patients and staff
▪ A Water Treatment Plan room is required; a lockable room for water treatment plant
equipment used in the hydrotherapy pool such as booster pumps and filters
▪ More modern and sustainable Hydrotherapy involved individual pools for male/ females rather
than large pools
▪ Hydrotherapy pool is preferred to be located on floor with convenient access to the entrance
as well as outdoor area (which may be covered terrace). The structural loading has to be

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 8
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

considered if it located on higher floors

Support Areas
Support Areas for Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit may be shared between service disciplines
and include:
▪ Bays for linen, resuscitation trolley and mobile equipment including wheelchairs
▪ Cleaners Room
▪ Clean and Dirty Utility rooms
▪ Optional Plaster/ Splint room
▪ Store Rooms for general consumables and equipment; this may include specialty equipment
held in storage until needed in therapy areas and bulky or loan pool items such as
wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and lifting equipment
Staff Areas
Offices and Workstations are required for the Unit Director/ Manager and Senior Allied Health staff
to undertake administrative functions or to facilitate educational and research activities.
Staff require access to the following:
▪ Meeting Room/s for education and tutorial sessions as well as meetings
▪ Staff Room with beverage and food storage facilities
▪ Toilets, Showers and Lockers

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 9
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

5 Functional Relationships
External Relationships
The most critical relationship in circumstances where Rehabilitation Medicine is an established
service is with the Inpatient and Outpatient Unit/s. However, consideration must also be given to
necessary relationships with the Units most utilizing therapy services, in terms of the logistics of
patient travel and transport. In some instances, there may need to be duplication of facilities.
Physiotherapy Areas require ready access to Orthopedic Clinics.
The optimum External Relationships include:
▪ Patient access from a public corridor with a relationship to the Main Entrance, Car Park and
drop off/ pick-up areas
▪ Loan equipment pick up and drop off
▪ Separate entry and access for staff via a Service Corridor
▪ Access for services such as Supply, Housekeeping via a Service Corridor
Internal Relationships
The internal planning of the Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit should consider the Unit Functional
Zones.
Some of the critical relationships to be considered include:
▪ The Reception Area should allow patients to move conveniently to and from the Therapy
Areas and accommodate the expected volume of patients, support staff, care-takers and
mobility aids
▪ Interview Rooms for support services such as social worker etc. to be conveniently located
▪ Sub Waiting Areas may be located close to Therapy Areas for patient and staff accessibility
▪ Staff must be able to move easily to and from Therapy Areas, Reception and Waiting Areas;
discreet and private work areas away from patients is recommended; Staff Areas may have
restricted access to patients
Optimum Internal Relationships should include the following:
▪ Reception at the entrance with access to Consult, Interview and Group rooms
▪ Waiting Areas located near to the Unit Entry with access to circulation corridors; Sub-Waiting
Areas may also be provided close to Therapy Areas for patients and staff convenience
▪ Access for patients to Therapy areas directly from Waiting Areas with Reception/
Administration acting as a control centre
▪ Support Areas located close to the activity centres for staff convenience
It is important for the Functional Zones to work effectively together to allow for an efficient, safe
and pleasant environment.
The relationships between the various components within the Unit are best described by the
Functional Relationships Diagram below.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 10
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Functional Relationship Diagram

Note: The above diagram shows a large full-service facility and all the possible relationships.
Most facilities will be much smaller and simpler than the example provided. The smaller facilities
should continue to reflect the desirable relationships shown here.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 11
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

6 Design Considerations
General
The design philosophy of the Rehabilitation Unit should convey a friendly and inviting environment
and should encourage community members to utilize the available facilities for rehabilitation
purposes. A non-institutional safe and supportive environment needs to be promoted. Building
design must be flexible and adaptable to enable the unit to cater for varying client and service
needs.
Buildings should be designed to cope with a wide range of possible conditions. The aim is to
provide an environment that will allow the maximum mobility possible for each person. The
Rehabilitation Unit will include access for disabled persons.
Environmental Considerations
Acoustics
Most of the Therapy Areas in the Unit are open space and activities undertaken therein require
hard, impervious flooring (timber or sheet vinyl) generating noise. The transfer of sound between
clinical spaces should be minimized to reduce the potential of staff error from disruptions and
miscommunication and to increase patient safety and privacy.
Acoustic treatment is required to the following:
▪ Consult/ Examination Rooms
▪ Interview, Group and Meeting Rooms
▪ Gymnasiums and Workshops
▪ Staff Rooms
Solutions to be considered include:
▪ Location of the Unit
▪ Selection of sound absorbing materials and finishes
▪ Use of sound isolating construction
▪ Planning to separate quiet areas from noisy areas
▪ Review of operational management and patient/client flows. This may include separate areas
for patients with special needs and pediatrics
Lighting
Natural lighting is essential in large Treatment Areas such as Gymnasiums. Windows are
particularly desirable in Waiting Areas and Staff Lounges. If windows cannot be provided,
alternatives such as skylights may be considered. Consideration should be given to lighting levels
for patients who are visually impaired.
Privacy
The design of the Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit needs to consider patient privacy and
confidentiality incorporating the following:
▪ Discreet discussion spaces and non-public access to medical records
▪ An adequate number of rooms for discreet discussions and treatments to occur whenever
required
▪ Privacy screening to all Physiotherapy plinths, Examination Bays and Patient Bed Bays with
sufficient space to permit curtains to be easily drawn whenever required
▪ The location of doors to avoid patient exposure in Consult Rooms

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 12
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Accessibility
It is recommended that the ground floor is located in close proximity to carpark and drop- off
areas. If a ground floor Unit with its own entry an undercover set-down bay should be provided at
the entrance to the Unit for those outpatients who arrive by public transport or car and for return of
loan equipment. Access to other units in the facility should be convenient and covered.
Drop-off and parking for people with disabilities is required and wheelchair access is required to all
patient-accessed areas of the Unit.
Safety & Security
The patient population of this Unit requires special consideration in terms of safety as they may be
disabled or incapacitated while being encouraged to be mobile and self-sufficient. Design and
selection of finishes, surfaces and fittings must be assessed to determine the potential for
accidents or hazards to both patients and staff.
To be Consider:
▪ Slippery or wet floors
▪ Protrusions or sharp edges
▪ Stability and height of equipment or fittings
▪ Handrails and wheelchair access are mandatory.
The arrangement of spaces and zones shall offer a high standard of security through the grouping
of like functions, control over access and egress from the Unit and the provision of optimum
observation for staff. The perimeter of the Unit should be secured, and consideration given to
electronic access.
Access to Public Areas shall be carefully planned so that the safety and security of Staff Areas
within the Unit are not compromised. Zones within the Unit may need to be lockable due to files
and records of patients/ staff, when not in use. After-hours access control requires consideration if
areas are used by the public for classes, e.g. Gyms and Hydrotherapy.
Finishes
It is essential that floor finishes are non-slip and do not create “drag” for patients using walking
aids and wheelchairs.
The following additional factors should be considered in the selection of finishes:
▪ Ease of cleaning
▪ Infection control
▪ Acoustic properties
▪ Durability
▪ Fire safety
▪ Movement of equipment and impact resistance
Refer also to Part C – Access, Mobility, OH&S of these Guidelines.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 13
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Fittings, Fixtures & Equipment

Height of light switches need to comply with accessibility codes. Handrails on both sides of
corridors are recommended.
Also refer to Part C – Access, Mobility, OH&S of these Guidelines and the Room Data Sheets
(RDS) and Room Layout Sheets (RLS) for further detailed information.
Building Services Requirements
Information Technology and Communications
Unit design should address the following Information Technology/ Communications issues:
▪ Electronic Health Records (EHR)
▪ Health Information System (HIS)
▪ Hand-held tablets and other smart devices
▪ Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS)
▪ DECT and personal telephones replacing some aspects of call systems
▪ Data entry including investigation requests
▪ Bar coding for supplies and records
▪ Data and communication outlets, servers and communication room requirements
▪ Wi-Fi access for patients, staff and waiting visitors.
Staff Call
Hospital must provide an electronic call system next to each treatment space including
Physiotherapy plinths, Consult, Examination, Plaster Rooms and Patient Areas (including toilets)
to allow patients to alert staff in a discreet manner at all times.
All calls are to be registered at the Staff Stations and must be audible within the service areas of
the Unit including Clean Utilities and Dirty Utilities. If calls are not answered the call system should
escalate the alert accordingly. The Staff Call system may also use mobile paging systems or SMS
to notify staff of a call.
Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning
The Unit should be air-conditioned with adjustable temperature and humidity in all Gymnasiums,
Workshops, Consult and Interview/ Meeting Rooms for patient and staff comfort.
All HVAC requirements are to comply with services identified in Standard Components and Part E
– Engineering Services.
Hydraulics
Warm water shall be supplied to all areas accessed by patients within the Unit. This requirement
includes all staff handbasins and sinks located within patient accessible areas. Sinks in Staff
Areas shall be provided with hot and cold-water services.
For further information and details refer to Part E – Engineering Services in these Guidelines.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 14
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Infection Control
Infectious patients and immune-suppressed patients may be sharing the same treatment space at
different times of the same day. The design of all aspects for the Unit should take into
consideration the need to ensure a high level of infection control in all aspects of clinical and non-
clinical practice.
Hand Basins
Handwashing facilities shall be provided in Gymnasiums, Consult/ Examination Rooms and
located conveniently to patient Bed Bays. Handbasins suitable for scrubbing procedures shall be
provided for each Procedure and Treatment Room as specified by the Standard Components.
Where a handbasin is provided there shall also be liquid soap, disposable paper towels and waste
bins provided.
Handwashing facilities shall not impact on minimum clear corridor widths. At least one
Handwashing Bay is to be conveniently accessible to the Staff Station. Handbasins are to comply
with Standard Components - Bay - Handwashing and Part D - Infection Control in these
Guidelines.
Antiseptic Hand Rub
Antiseptic Hand Rubs should be located so they are readily available for use at points of care at
the end of patient examination couches and in high traffic areas.
The placement of Antiseptic Hand Rubs should be consistent and reliable throughout facilities.
Antiseptic Hand Rubs are to comply with Part D - Infection Control in these Guidelines.
Antiseptic Hand Rubs, although very useful and welcome cannot fully replace Hand Wash Bays.
Both are required.
7 Components of the Unit
Standard Components
Standard Components are typical rooms within a health facility, each represented by a Room Data
Sheet (RDS) and a Room Layout Sheet (RLS).
The Room Data Sheets are written descriptions representing the minimum briefing requirements
of each room type, described under various categories:
▪ Room Primary Information; includes Briefed Area, Occupancy, Room Description and
Relationships and special room requirements.
▪ Building Fabric and Finishes; identifies the fabric and finish required for the room ceiling, floor,
walls, doors and glazing requirements.
▪ Furniture and Fittings; lists all the fittings and furniture typically located in the room; Furniture
and Fittings are identified with a group number indicating who is responsible for providing the
item according to a widely accepted description as follows:
Group Description
1 Provided and installed by the Builder/ Contractor
2 Provided by the Client and installed by the Builder/Contractor
3 Provided and installed by the Client

▪ Fixtures and Equipment; includes all the serviced equipment typically located in the room
along with the services required such as power, data and hydraulic. Fixtures and Equipment
are also identified with a group number as above indicating who is responsible for provision.
▪ Building Services; indicates the requirement for communications, power, Heating, Ventilation
and Air conditioning (HVAC), medical gases, nurse/ emergency call and lighting along with
quantities and types where appropriate. Provision of all services items listed is mandatory.
The Room Layout Sheets (RLS’s) are indicative plan layouts and elevations illustrating an
example of good design. The RLS indicated are deemed to satisfy these Guidelines. Alternative

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 15
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

layouts and innovative planning shall be deemed to comply with these Guidelines provided that
the following criteria are met:
▪ Compliance with the text of these Guidelines
▪ Minimum floor areas as shown in the schedule of accommodation
▪ Clearances and accessibility around various objects shown or implied
▪ Inclusion of all mandatory items identified in the RDS
The Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit consists of Standard Components to comply with details
described in these Guidelines. Refer also to Standard Components Room Data Sheets (RDS) and
Room Layout Sheets (RLS) separately provided.
Non-Standard Rooms
Non-standard rooms are those which have not yet been standardized within these Guidelines. As
such there are very few Non-standard Rooms. These are identified in the Schedules of
Accommodation as NS and are separately covered below.
ADL Computer Room
The ADL computer room provides an area for training patients on computer-based activities. The
computer room may be located adjacent to the ADL Lounge or other ADL assessment areas.
Provide adjustable-height computer workstations with the following:
▪ A variety of desktop and laptop computers and screens
▪ Printer and telephone
▪ Power and data outlets for each
Occupational Therapy Room/s
The Occupational Therapy Rooms are large rooms or workshops for a range of activities including
table based, arts, crafts and woodworking. The Occupational Therapy rooms may be located
adjacent to rehabilitation therapy areas with ready access to waiting and amenities areas.
Fittings and Equipment required in this area may include:
▪ Benches with inset sink, wheelchair accessible
▪ Shelving for storage of equipment or tools
▪ Tables, adjustable height
▪ Chairs, adjustable height
▪ Hand-washing basin with liquid soap and paper towel fittings
▪ Pin board and whiteboard for displays
▪ Sufficient power outlets for equipment or tools to be used in activity areas.
Workshop areas require suitable air extraction and exhaust for woodwork activities.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 16
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

8 Schedule of Equipment (SOE)

This Schedule of Equipment (SOE) below lists the major equipment required for the key rooms in
this FPU.
Room Name
Hydrotherapy Pool, 90m2, Room Code (hydp-90-n)
Defibrillator: with monitor Pool blanket: auto operated Patient lifter: pool
Hydrotherapy pool: fixed floor
Plaster Room, 14m2, Room Code (plst-14-n)
Air flowmeter Oxygen flowmeter Suction adapter
Monitor: physiologic, vital signs, wall
Cast cutter, with vacuum Stretcher: procedure/ recovery
mounted
Light: examination, single, ceiling mounted
Gymnasium, 45m2, Room Code (gyah-45-n)
Defibrillator: with monitor Pulley weights: wall mounted Parallel bars: floor mounted
Table: examination/ treatment,
Exercise bicycle Treadmill: exercise, automatic
rehabilitation, electric
Exercise mat Table: mat, 1200mm Exercise stairs: static

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 17
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

9 Schedule of Accommodation
The Schedule of Accommodation (SOA) provided below represents generic requirements for this
unit. It identifies the rooms required along with the room quantities and the recommended room
areas. The simple sum of the room areas is shown as the Sub Total. The Total area is the Sub
Total plus the circulation percentage. The circulation percentage represents the minimum
recommended target area for internal corridors in an efficient and appropriate design.
Within the SOA, room sizes are indicated for typical units and are organised into the functional
zones. Not all rooms identified are mandatory therefore, optional rooms are indicated in the
Remarks. These guidelines do not dictate the size of the facilities such as the total number of
Treatment areas. Therefore, the SOA provided represents a limited sample based on assumed
unit sizes. The actual size of the facilities is determined by Service Planning or Feasibility Studies.
Quantities of rooms need to be proportionally adjusted to suit the desired unit size and service
needs.
The table below shows three SOA’s for role delineations RDL 2 to 6 depending of the size of the
unit, including typical Rehabilitation specialties.
Any proposed deviations from the mandatory requirements, justified by innovative and alternative
operational models may be proposed within the departure forms included in Part A of these
guidelines for consideration by the health authority for approval.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 18
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

ROOM/ SPACE Standard Component RDL2-6 RDL 2-6 RDL 2-6 Remarks
Room Codes Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2
Entry/ Reception Shared between disciplines
Reception / Clerical recl-10-i similar recl-15-i 1 x 10 1 x 12 1 x 15
wait-10-i wait-15-i
Waiting (Male/ Female) 2 x 10 2 x 15 2 x 20 Gender separated
wait-20-i
Bay - Wheelchair Park bwc-i 1 x 4 1 x 4 1 x 4
Interview Room - Family intf-i 1 x 12 2 x 12 2 x 12
Patient Bay - Holding pbtr-h-10-i 2 x 10 4 x 10 Quantity according to service plan
Store - Files stfs-10-i 1 x 8 1 x 8 1 x 10
Store - Photocopy/ Stationery stps-8-i 1 x 4 1 x 6 1 x 8
Toilet - Accessible wcac-i 2 x 6 2 x 6 2 x 6 Separate male/female areas
Toilet - Patient wcpt-i 2 x 4 2 x 4 Separate male/female areas
Facility may include any/ all of the
Allied Health
following modules within the Unit
Audiology Testing Room audio-i 1 x 14 1 x 14 1 x 14 Including Audiology Booth
Consult/ Exam Room(Speech
cons-i 1 x 14 1 x 14 2 x 14
Pathology)
Observation Room (Speech
obs-i 1 x 9 1 x 9 2 x 9 If required by the service plan
Pathology)
Store - General (Speech Pathology) stgn-8-i similar 1 x 6 1 x 6 1 x 8
Depends on service demand. Provide
Consult Room (Clinical Psychology) cons-i similar 1 x 14 1 x 14 1 x 14 comfortable lounge seating instead of
exam couch
Office - Single Person (Dietetics) off-s9-i off-s12-i 1 x 9 1 x 9 1 x 12
Store - General (Dietetics) stgn-8-i similar 1 x 6 1 x 6 1 x 8
Office - Single Person (Social Worker) off-s9-i off-s12-i 1 x 9 1 x 9 1 x 12
Podiatry Treatment podtr-15-i 1 x 15 1 x 15 1 x 15
Meeting Room meet-l-15-i meet-l-30-i similar 1 x 15 1 x 15 1 x 20 Group Room
ADL (Assisted Daily Living)
ADL Bathroom adlb-i 1 x 12 1 x 12 2 x 12
ADL Bedroom adlbr-i 1 x 18 1 x 18 2 x 18
ADL Computer Room NS 1 x 10 1 x 15 1 x 20
ADL Kitchen adlk-enc-i 1 x 12 1 x 12 2 x 12 May be enclosed or open
ADL Laundry adll-8-i 1 x 8 1 x 8 2 x 8
ADL Lounge adln-i 1 x 12 1 x 12 2 x 12
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Room - Adult NS 1 x 28 1 x 42 1 x 70 7m2 per patient
Occupational Therapy Room - 10m2 per patient, provide according to
NS 1 x 40 1 x 60
Paediatrics service plan
Plaster/ Splint Room plst-14-i 1 x 14 1 x 14 Optional
steq-10-i steq-14-i steq-20-i
Store - Equipment 1 x 10 1 x 14 1 x 25 For materials & equipment
similar
Physiotherapy

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 19
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

ROOM/ SPACE Standard Component RDL2-6 RDL 2-6 RDL 2-6 Remarks
Room Codes Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2
Bay - Handwashing, Type B bhws-b-i 1 x 1 1 x 1 2 x 1 1 per 4 Patient Treatment Bays
bmeq-4-i similar or
Bay - Mobile Equipment 1 x 4 1 x 6 1 x 10 Opened or enclosed bay
bmeqe-4-i similar
Clean Utility clur-12-i similar 1 x 14 1 x 14
Change - Patient (Male/ Female) chpt-12-i similar 2 x 12 2 x 20 2 x 24
6m2 per patient; gender separated
Gymnasium gyah-45-i similar 1 x 45* 2 x 60 2 x 80
areas, * Time managed Gym
Office - Write-up Bay/Room off-wi-1-i similar off-wis-i similar 1 x 3 1 x 6 1 x 12 May be part of the Gym
Separate male/female; no. depends on
service demand. Can be enclosed or
Patient Bay - Non-Acute Treatment pbtr-na-i 2 x 10 4 x 10 6 x 10
curtained cubicles, though enclosed is
highly recommended.
Plaster/ Splint Room plst-14-i 1 x 14 1 x 14
Store - Equipment steq-10-i steq-14-i steq-20-i 1 x 10 1 x 14 1 x 20 For gym equipment
Toilet - Accessible wcac-i 2 x 6 2 x 6
Respiratory & treatments that require
Treatment Room trmt-14-i 1 x 14 2 x 14 2 x 14
privacy
Shared Support Areas
Bay - Linen blin-i 1 x 2 2 x 2 2 x 2
Bay - Resuscitation Trolley bres-i 1 x 1.5 1 x 1.5 1 x 1.5
Cleaner's Room clrm-6-i 1 x 6 1 x 6 1 x 6
Clean Utility clur-12-i 1 x 12 1 x 12 1 x 12
Clean-up Room clup-7-i similar 1 x 7 1 x 10 Optional; For returned loan equipment
Consult Room cons-i 1 x 14 2 x 14 2 x 14
Dirty Utility - Sub dtur-s-i 1 x 8 1 x 8 1 x 8
Disposal Room disp-8-i 1 x 8 1 x 8 1 x 8
Optional; Size according to space
Store - Loan Equipment stle-60-i similar 1 x 25 1 x 40 1 x 60
requirement
Optional; Size according to space
Workshop - Prosthetics wk-pro-i similar 1 x 14 1 x 14 1 x 20
requirement
Staff Areas
Meeting Room meet-l-15-i meet-l-30-i similar 1 x 15 1 x 20 1 x 25
Office - Single Person off-s12-i 1 x 12 1 x 12 1 x 12 Director
Office - Single Person off-s9-i off-s12-i 1 x 9 1 x 12 1 x 12 Chief Occupational Therapist
Office - Single Person off-s9-i off-s12-i 1 x 9 1 x 12 1 x 12 Chief Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists; No. according to
Office - 2 Person Shared off-2p-i 1 x 12 1 x 12 1 x 12
staffing requirements
Occupational Therapists; No. as
Office - Workstations off-ws-i 1 x 5.5 2 x 5.5 4 x 5.5
required
Physiotherapists; No. according to
Office - Workstations off-ws-i 1 x 5.5 2 x 5.5 4 x 5.5
staffing requirements
Property Bay - Staff prop-3-i similar 2 x 2 2 x 3 2 x 6
Staff Room (Male/ Female) srm-15-i srm-25-i similar 2 x 10 2 x 10 2 x 10
Shower - Staff shst-3-i 2 x 3 2 x 3 2 x 3

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 20
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

ROOM/ SPACE Standard Component RDL2-6 RDL 2-6 RDL 2-6 Remarks
Room Codes Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2
Toilet – Staff (Male/ Female) wcst-i 2 x 3 2 x 3 2 x 3
Sub Total 567.5 898.5 1217.5
Circulation % 25 25 25
Area Total 709 1123 1522

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 21
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

Hydrotherapy Pool (Optional)

ROOM/ SPACE Standard Component RDL2-6 RDL 2-6 RDL 2-6 Remarks
Room Codes Qty x m2 Qty x m2 Qty x m2
Hydrotherapy Pool
Change - Patient (Male/ Female) chpt-d-i chpt-12-i similar 2 x 12 2 x 20 2 x 24
Change - Staff (Male/ Female) chst-12-i chst-20-i similar 2 x 10 2 x 12 2 x 14
Hydrotherapy Pool Hydp-90-i similar 1 x 90 1 x 150 1 x 240 Includes concourse,
Hydrotherapy Pool Store hydst-i similar 1 x 9 1 x 12 1 x 16 Pool equipment
Office - Single Person off-s9-i 1 x 9 1 x 9 1 x 9 Manager
Office - Workstation off-ws-i 1 x 5.5 2 x 5.5 2 x 5.5 No. dependent on service demand
Separate male/female areas; adjacent
Hydrotherapy Pool Open Shower Area hydsh-i 1 x 6 2 x 6 4 x 6
to pool concourse
Separate male/female areas; patient
Shower - Accessible shpt-i 2 x 4 2 x 4 2 x 4
use
Separate male/female areas; patient
Toilet - Accessible wcac-i 2 x 6 2 x 6 2 x 6
use
Water Treatment Plant Room wtpl-i similar 1 x 10 1 x 15 1 x 20 Size depending on Engineering
Sub Total 193.5 293 416
Circulation % 25 25 25
Area Total 242 366 520

Please note the following:

▪ Areas noted in Schedules of Accommodation take precedence over all other areas noted in the Standard Components.
▪ Rooms indicated in the schedule reflect the typical arrangement according to the Role Delineation.
▪ Exact requirements for room quantities and sizes will reflect Key Planning Units (KPU) identified in the Clinical Service Plan and the Operational Policies of the
Unit.
▪ All the areas shown in the SOA follow the No-Gap system described elsewhere in these Guidelines.
▪ Room sizes indicated should be viewed as a minimum requirement; variations are acceptable to reflect the needs of individual Unit.
▪ Office areas are to be provided according to the Unit role delineation and number of endorsed full-time positions in the unit.
▪ Staff and support rooms may be shared between Functional Planning Units dependent on location and accessibility to each unit and may provide scope to
reduce duplication of facilities.

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 22
Part B: Health Facility Briefing & Design
Rehabilitation – Allied Health Unit

10 References and Further Reading

In addition to Sections referenced in this FPU, i.e. Part C- Access, Mobility, OH&S, Part D -
Infection Control, and Part E - Engineering Services, readers may find the following helpful:
▪ Australasian Health Facility Guidelines, Part B Health Facility Briefing and Planning, Rev 4,
2012; refer to website www.healthfacilitydesign.com.au
▪ The Facility Guidelines Institute (US), 2010 Edition. Guidelines for Design and Construction
of Health Care Facilities) refer to website www.fgiguidelines.org

International
Health Facility Guidelines © TAHPI October 2023 Page 23