Department Of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 212)
Washington, D.C. 20402
December 2006
3. Cubicle, Resident (XXXXX) ....................................................... 64 NSF (5.9 NSM)
Provide one per Resident FTE position authorized and if in Concept of
Operations.
4. Library (XXXXX) ..................................................................... 140 NSF (13.1 NSM)
Provide one if clinic is remote from central library facility or if in authorized in
Concept of Operations.
5. Conference / Classroom (XXXXX)........................................ 300 NSF (27.9 NSM)
Provide one if in Concept of Operations.
6
PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
A. Net-to-department gross factor (NTDG) for Pulmonary Medicine is 1.50. This
number when multiplied by the programmed net square foot (NSF) area determines
the departmental gross square feet.
B. The design should accommodate patient privacy and confidentiality in reception and
patient care areas. This includes visual and auditory considerations. A main element
with respect to patient privacy is the visual screening of computer monitors.
C. Centralized check-in/check-out should be considered for all modalities for more
efficient utilization of staff.
D. Provide separate outpatient intake and processing areas from inpatient circulation
and holding areas when both patient types utilize the same department and / or
procedure rooms. Inpatient holding areas should be out of sight of the outpatient
waiting area.
E. Most outpatients are usually accompanied by at least one family member or friend
who will also require waiting space. When possible it is desirable to separate
ambulatory waiting from stretcher waiting. Spacious waiting space is desirable
because of the psychological benefits of frequently very sick and terminal patients.
Waiting areas should be visible to the reception staff for safety and security.
F. The reception control area is to be strategically located to give the receptionist clear
observation of waiting areas and control of patient traffic entering the clinic.
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).
H. Services with longer duration procedure times or low volume generation can be less
centrally located.
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. Verify room sizes and equipment layouts with equipment vendors prior to finalizing
room layouts.
Pulmonary Medicine (Chapter 212): Page: 10 of 12
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