This paper will examine the developed floor plan using SmartDraw for the Obstetrics Department of the St. Paul Medical Center. The department is currently remodeling and upgrading its maternity center and an effective floor plan is required to ensure that all environmental factors are met. This paper is going to examine the reason why the floor plan was selected. Any changes that could be made to the floor plan. It will also discuss what was learnt from this process.
Reason this floor plan was designed
There are a number of reasons why I selected the floor plan design I used for the proposed Obstetrics complex. From the proposal the complex would boast of its own Intensive care ward, its own central laboratory and blood bank, and an increase in the number of operating theatres. This factor influenced greatly why the floor plan was selected. This is mainly because The floor plan had to be able to accommodate this sections of the department. In addition, another reason for the selected floor plan is because of the number of employees to be housed in the new complex (Chapel, 2012). From the proposal the obstetrics unit had to house three consultant obstetricians, ten midwives and five nurses who are working in the facility. Also, due to the increase in the department’s patient capacity, the number of employees needed to be scaled up.
There was a need to employ an additional three obstetricians, twelve midwives and seven nurses to complement the services of the current employees. Under the current setting, the anesthesiologist, anesthetist and nurse anesthetists were not resident in the unit. They were usually posted to the department by the department of anesthesiologist. However, with the new proposed arrangement, there would be a need to retain these staff in the department. To this end, there would be a need for the hospital to employ two new consultant anesthesiologists and five anesthetic nurses.
The selected floor plan has a strategically placed administration office and a cafeteria that can be able to accommodate this increase in the number of employees in the complex. Another reason why the design plan was selected was to be able to ensure that the complex is secure. The floor plan selected ensures that cameras, telephones, smoke detectors, the security room and fire alarms are strategically placed around the hospital in order to ensure safety (Chapel, 2012).
Recommendations or suggestions for completing the floor plan differently
If I was to complete the floor plan later I would ensure that I set up an exam room where doctors are allowed to examine patients. Examination rooms were not considered in this floor plan. An exam room is critical since it will allow doctors to examine patients before and after emergency surgery. Next to the lift there is a large unused space that I could utilize for this function. In addition, I will utilize the space to create additional offices for the department’s personnel.
What I learned from doing this process and completing your own floor plan
The floor plan that has been designed is good but it overlooks a number of factors such as exam rooms. However, it is excellent and can easily be implemented by the Obstetrics Department of the St. Paul Medical Center. The floor plan also meets all the set requirements.
References:
Chapel, D. (2012). Develop a workable floor plan - Hospital Design. Hospital Design - Veterinary hospital design solutions and building expertise. Retrieved April 27, 2012, from http://veterinaryhospitaldesign.dvm360.com/vethospitaldesign/Veterinary+hospital+design/Develop-a-workable-floor-plan/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/164966
Hiranandani, L. (2012). 5 Steps of Hospital PlanningHealthcare Simplified. <http://vivekdesai.blog.com/2010/03/29/5-steps-of-hospital-planning/>
