The relationship between five elements and nine variables in hospital planning

Abstract

Hospital is a place where the sick comes to seek for treatment from doctor. Hence, special attention and provisions must be given when designing and building the hospital which include assurance in terms of safety requirements, convenience, accessibility and functional for all stakeholders (patients, visitors and staffs). Designing an ideal hospital, which satisfies the above criteria, is challenging, but not entirely impossible. Extra efforts are required in ensuring a design not only functional but adheres to specific rules and regulations, especially incorporating latest technology. This paper discusses the initial stage of hospital planning and design, which incorporates all the necessary parameters (elements and variables) in hospital planning such as bed sizing, service area and locations, which are crucial for the mass users of population. Some analysis based on researcher’s professional judgement is applied in making projection of the present and future hospital capacity.