First Draft 6-28-97
General Considerations
Narrative
The smaller clinics would be used less
SITING
frequently and the complexity of their
Location of the clinic in an area of greatest
equipment will be determined by the volume
need is a prime concern. The sites that are
of patients. (Ultrasound in smaller clinics
chosen should be central to the local veteran
may be a small portable unit while larger
population. Location in areas that are easily
clinics will require a separate room.) Small
accessible to residents is very important.
community based clinics will treat everyday
Public access is very important. How do
needs and some ambulatory surgical
patients get to the clinic? Convenient access
problems. This is evidenced by laser
from patient parking or arrival areas is
capsulotomies for post IOL surgery,
necessary; pedestrians, vehicular traffic and
iridotomies (glaucoma), etc.
public transportation are other necessary
Specialized Equipment
factors in location. Concerns such as access
to the site by staff and parking for both users
Argon and Yag lasers would be the standard
and staff is very important. Most clinics are a
lasers for satellite clinics. Other specialized
nine to five operations and safety for
equipment is noted on the Design Guide
everyone both going and coming has to be
Plates and Equipment Guide Lists.
assured. Some clinics have found that the
Support areas are required for all clinics
trust built by their operation in the community
These include staff lockers and lounge areas;
is an insurance policy for the safety of
workrooms; scrub areas for the staff; storage
patients and staff.
An undesirable
space; connection to the Supply Processing
environment can create problems so proper
and Distribution (SPD); housekeeping
location is of prime importance. Most patients
closets; gas storage area; appropriate staff
at va clinics are of an older age than the
offices; control and communication areas;
average clinic patient and they are often
patient holding areas; and other rooms or
handicapped. It is therefore very important
areas as is deemed appropriate. Small stand
that parking be located as close as possible
alone clinics will require most of the above
to the entrance.
Barrier free design
while clinics in the VAMC's will be able to
requirements are very explicit about
share many of these facilities with other
handicapped spaces and access walks to the
disciplines.
building. Clear signage is needed, especially
when clinics are located in shopping malls,
The Design Guide will not show layouts of
elderly patients can easily become confused
support facilities since we are primarily
if signage is not both legible and easily
concerned with the specialized spaces
discernible
required. Adjacent areas will frequently be
noted to show adjacency requirements.
VA DESIGN GUIDE
EYE CLINIC
Page 2-2
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