The purpose of the AusHFG Spatial Benchmarks is to support the development of high-level area estimates for common hospital departments / services.  Spatial benchmarks are typically used during initial planning phases to inform early cost planning and indicative footprint requirements prior to the development of detailed schedules of accommodations (SOAs).  This is important information which can be used to advise early investment decisions, as well as site selection and staging strategies.

The AusHFG Spatial Benchmarks provide a minimum estimated area requirement per unit of measure and are derived from SOAs within the AusHFG Health Planning Units (HPU).  They are not derived from actual facility areas, however facility benchmarking data is used to inform updates to the AusHFG SOAs. Benchmarks are provided for clinical, clinical support and non-clinical services and will continue to be updated and refined following each HPU review.

An accompanying guidance document provides an overview of the purpose, methodology, scope and ‘how to use’ the AusHFG Spatial Benchmarks.