Department Of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 210)
Washington, D.C. 20402
December 2006
E. Provide separate outpatient intake and processing areas from inpatient
circulation and holding areas when both patient types utilize the same
departmental facilities. Inpatient holding areas should be out of sight of the
outpatient waiting area.
F. Design should accommodate patient privacy and confidentiality in reception and
patient care areas. This includes visual and auditory considerations including
privacy or computer screens.
G. Plan for locating high volume services closer to patient waiting or building access
point to decrease patient travel time/distance and increase responsiveness (i.e.,
in outpatient center or at patient bedside). Services with longer duration
procedure times or low volume generation can be less centrally located.
H. Stress test rooms should be located in coordination with Nuclear Medicine.
I.
Corridors should be designed to a minimum of 8 feet clear width, to
accommodate passage of equipment or beds and two stretchers and/or
wheelchairs. In non-patient areas, corridors may be 6 feet in clear width.
J. The increase of therapeutic procedures both increases the need for patient
observation / recovery space near the procedure area and increases the average
length of procedure time.
K. Centralized staff administration and support should be considered to maximize
staff and space efficiency.
L. Provide staff break area(s) convenient to staff work areas but separate from
patient area(s).
M. Refer to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Facilities Management
Handbooks, Standards, Standard Details, and Design Guides for technical
criteria.
Cardiovascular Laboratories (Chapter 210): Page 210-14 of 16
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