Emergency Unit

An updated revision of HPU 300 Emergency Unit (Revision 8.0, April 2025) has been uploaded to the AusHFG website. The revised version has been informed by an extensive consultation process through a co-design approach with consumer representatives, clinicians and operational staff, and health infrastructure specialists as well as the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM).

Key changes to the document include: ​

• Updated description of services levels / role delineation to reflect the revised 2023 Statement on the Delineation of Emergency Departments by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM).
• The Planning Model section has been expanded to include common Emergency Department (ED) configurations including the advantages and disadvantages of open plan and podded ED.
• Consideration for optional Triage Assessment Desks, complemented by visual representations including sample unit configuration layouts with activity flow diagrams. Triage Assessment Desks can serve as alternatives to, or be provided alongside, Triage Rooms, depending on the ED's triage model.
• Updated information relating to ambulance services requirements.
• Provisions for optional education areas, such as simulation rooms, have been introduced.
• The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) section has been revised to align with updates to AusHFG Part D – Infection Prevention and Control, and the AusHFG Pandemic Preparedness Guideline added as a reference.
• Indicative ED scenarios have been adjusted to reflect contemporary staffing models with reference to benchmarking of recently delivered facilities
• Recommendations relating to emergency treatment and resuscitation bays have been updated to enhance functionality, particularly in smaller EDs.
• Guidance has been added for obstetrics and gynaecology consultation rooms, which may also function as sexual assault examination spaces in EDs that are not designated for sexual assault assessment services.
• Consultation rooms for dental services have been removed due to infrequent utilisation.
• Provisions for patient showers and toilets have been adjusted to better reflect the shorter duration of patient stays within EDs.
• Circulation percentages have been revised to align with AusHFG Part C.
• Policy and reference documents have also been updated to ensure consistency with the latest standards, policies, and reference materials.

A thank you is extended to all those who have contributed to the review and update of this document.

Kind Regards,

AusHFG Team