Surgery center with a matrix of flow patterns and interaction nodes

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to a surgery center that optimizes flow patterns by integrating them into a combination of nodes representing general areas (admit, pre-operative, surgical, acute recovery, and observation).

#2. Discussion of the Prior Art

#A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

#FIG. 1 is an illustration of the integration of flow patterns and interaction zones in a surgery center according to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an illustration of unidirectional patient flow in a surgery center according to the present invention;

#Referring initially to FIG. 1, a surgery center 10 includes an admit/reception node 12, a pre-operative node 14, a surgical node 16, an acute recovery node 18 and an observation node 20. A mechanical node 22 and a supply/utility node 24 may also be provided. Pre-operative node 14 is located adjacent admit/reception node 12, surgical node 16 is located adjacent pre-operative node 14, acute recovery node 18 is located adjacent to surgical node 16 between surgical node 16 and observation node 20.

#A patient flow 26 throughout each of the nodes 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 is unidirectional. An instrument flow 28 is circular, confined to surgical node 16 and flows through a series of substerile rooms 30. A staff/physician flow 32 includes a separate entry 34 to surgery center 10 separate from admit/reception node 12 and observation node 20. A supply flow 34 is linear, and an environmental waste flow 36 includes transitioning between a sterile zone and a non-sterile zone through a soiled holding area 38.

#Patient flow 26, instrument flow 28, staff/physician flow 32, supply flow 34 and environmental waste flow 36 intersect at surgical node 16.