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Chapter 7: The Surgical Suite: Equipment and Accreditation

Riley McLean; Mary E. Maloney

INTRODUCTION

The surgical suite sets the tone of the office for the patient and staff and helps create the first impression of any practice. The suite is more than the four walls and also includes the important surgical equipment (Fig. 7-1, Table 7-1). To create a positive atmosphere for patient care, it is crucial to consider all aspects of surgical suite design and function.

Figure 7-1

Storage and work space. Note that the counter is clear of storage items, upper cabinets have locks, and there are 18 in between the cabinet and the ceiling with nothing stored in this space.

A photo shows a clear counter in a surgical suite that has upper cabinets with locks.
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TABLE 7-1Surgical Suite Specifications and Equipment Parameters
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TABLE 7-1 Surgical Suite Specifications and Equipment Parameters

Basic Examination Room

Procedure Room

Class A Operating Facility

Corridors

Public hallways must be at least 5 ft wide without obstruction from equipment, vending machines, or drinking fountains.

Doorways

If wheelchairs or stretchers will be regularly used, doorways should be at least 3 ft 8 in wide. If not, doorways must be at least 2 ft 10 in wide.

Minimum size of room

80 sq ft of clear floor area. There must be at least 28 in of clear space at the foot, head, and sides of examination table.

120 sq ft of clear floor area with a minimum dimension of 10 ft. 3 ft of clear space should be at the foot, head, and sides of examination table.

150 sq ft of clear floor space with minimum dimension of 12 ft. There must be 3.5 ft of clear space at the head, foot, and sides of examination table.

Ceiling height

Minimum height of 7 ft 10 in. Rooms with ceiling-mounted equipment and lighting should be high enough to accommodate equipment.

Ceiling material

Smooth, nonabsorptive, and able to withstand scrubbing and chemical cleaning.

Smooth, nonabsorptive, and able to withstand scrubbing and chemical cleaning.

Monolithic, scrubbable. No cracks. Penetrations in the ceiling for pipes, lighting, and other necessities should be gasketed.

Wall finishes

Washable, water resistant, able to withstand chemical cleaning and scrubbing.

Washable, water resistant, able to withstand chemical cleaning and scrubbing.

Monolithic, scrubbable, and tightly sealed.

Flooring choices

Slip resistant, low glare material. Carpet is permissible if tightly glued down. Floors should be easy to maintain, clean, and ambulate on

Slip resistant, low glare material. Carpet is permissible if tightly glued down. Floors should be easy to maintain, clean, and ambulate on

Scrubbable, monolithic, smooth. Slip resistant and easy to move wheeled equipment on.

Bathrooms

Handicapped accessible with grab bars. Doors to restrooms should open outward to ensure access in a medical emergency. For patient hand washing stations, sinks should be hands free. If a sensor activated sink is used, a backup power source is required. For sinks using single levers, blade handles should be at least ...

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