Operating Suite

An updated revision of HPU 520 Operating Suite (Revision 7, October 2024) has been uploaded to the AusHFG website.  The revised version has been informed by an extensive consultation process with clinical, operational and technical experts.

Key changes to the document include:

• Expansion of the terminology section to include commonly used clinical terms such as C-Arms, O-Arms, DOSA (Day of Surgery Admission), EDO (Extended Day Only), and PACU (Post Anaesthetic Care Unit).
• New information relating to hybrid operating rooms (ORs), including early planning processes incorporating an analysis of service need and confirmation of the types of procedures to be undertaken, types of hybrid ORs, workforce considerations and key planning and design requirements.
• Inclusion of typical patient flows from the preoperative through to postoperative phase.
• New section on ‘Environmental Sustainability Initiatives’ including contemporary approaches to waste management and the use of anaesthetic gases including nitrous oxide.
• Updates to the information relating to case assembly set up processes with reference to the ACORN standards.
• New section on ‘Arts Integration’ to acknowledge its role in supporting a range of wellbeing initiatives for patients, family/carers, and staff to mitigate anxiety and stress.
• Updated information relating to perfusion services including heater-cooler units used in cardiothoracic surgery and recommended area requirements for perfusion equipment set-up and storage.
• Updated information relating to PACU design requirements.
• Considerations relating to the provision of reticulated tool air.
• Adjustments to the Schedule of Accommodation scenarios to include a 2 OR scenario given this is a common sized unit for smaller regional facilities.  
• Revised area recommendations for staff change rooms and staff rooms based on benchmarking, post occupancy evaluation outcomes and other feedback.  
• Updates to relevant policies, standards, and other key reference documents.