Ward layouts with single rooms and space for flexibility (Paperback)

This report is the result of a three-year programme of research, which examines the benefits of single rooms in acute hospital accommodation and establishes the minimum space requirements around the hospital bed. It will underpin the updating of HBN 4, currently in progress. The main issues addressed are: contributing to control of healthcare associated infections; complying with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; meeting the needs of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, particularly with regards to lifting patients; meeting the needs of patient privacy and choice. The report seeks affordable solutions encompassing all these issues. It concludes that single rooms provide considerable benefits for patients, clinicians and NHS trusts through helping in infection control, reducing the risk of adverse clinical errors, allowing privacy, and providing flexibility with the potential for increased capacity.