510
Generalized Needs and Requirements: Hospital Needs
512.6.2
Materials Handling and Transportation Systems
1. Trends
Transportation systems have, to large a degree, been the major
determinent of hospital configuration. The "cottage" hospital gave way
to the "tower on the base" when the elevator was introduced (and
mechanical ventilation became available). The introduction of vertical
conveying systems reinforced this form of vertical configuration, and,
particularly, the close grouping of functional units around a vertical
distribution shaft.
Recently, the availability of horizontal/vertical systems has caused a
re-examination of the vertical hospital concept. In addition, the
application of cost/benefit analysis techniques involving transportation
systems has given impetus to a reevaluation of hospital configuration
and distribution systems in general.
Transportation systems are inherently inflexible in the quantity of
goods they can carry, the paths which they follow, and their method of
terminal distribution. In addition, many are slow, most are noisy, and
almost all require highly skilled maintenance at frequent intervals. The
introduction of horizontal/vertical systems have only served to
compound problems of inflexibility, noise and maintenance. Current
experience indicates that simplicity and reliance on manually guided
systems provides a desired degree of adaptability. The cost benefits
of more sophisticated transport systems have yet to be established.
2. Current Systems
a. Elevators. Satisfies the entire range of vertical hospital
transportation requirements. Particularly suitable for wheelchair or
stretcher patients or large carts. Not efficient for large numbers of
people moved in a short period of time. Vertical capability only.
b. Dumbwaiters. Used for high speed transportation of small items
(usually requested items). Vertical capability only.
2-9
Previous Page
