520
Detailed Needs and Requirements: Self Care Unit
524
SELF CARE UNIT
524.1
USER NEEDS
A self-care unit will serve ambulant general medical and surgical patients.
It will provide accommodations for a substantial number of patients
(perhaps 20% of the total GM & S patients) who require intermittent
contact with hospital diagnostic or treatment services and who are able to
function with a minimum of nursing support.
524.1.1
Objectives
The self care unit has been developed for use by certain types of patients
as an alternative to acute GM & S bed assignment in order to effect
economies in facility construction and paramedical staffing while providing
an acceptable level of medical care.
524.1.2
Operational Relationships
Patients will be generally ambulant or in wheel chairs. They will use
various medical support facilities including out-patient clinics, diagnostics
and therapeutic radiology, clinical laboratory, physical medicine,
pulmonary function, inhalation therapy and nuclear medicine. In addition,
the canteen and recreational facilities will receive frequent use.
Movement to diagnostic or treatment facilities will be non-urgent and of an
intermittent nature. Drugs, supplies, food, etc., will be delivered in a
manner similar to other nursing units.
Nursing service will, in many instances, be provided to the unit on an "on
call" basis similar to home nursing programs.
524.1.3
Characteristics
The general environment and organization will be similar to a hotel.
Space and furnishing should facilitate day ambulant patient use as well as
sleeping.
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