Michael Lawrence Turk Rapid Assessment Centre

Effectively managing patient volumes in the emergency department

The Rapid Assessment Centre at UHN’s Toronto General Hospital redefines patient flow in this low-acuity emergency department expansion. With almost no waiting time, patients move directly into family-sized recliner treatment bays with garden views, or private treatment rooms with smart glass doors. Designed with safety in mind, this bright, open, high-throughput department integrates biophilic design, natural light and improved acoustics to create a calm environment for patients, families and staff.

The RAC is innovative in its approach to care. A smaller waiting room is possible as patients are registered upon arrival and sent through to a treatment space to begin their care.

A series of spacious treatment bays can be used for various functions ranging from a semi-private waiting area to a space where staff can start an IV or deliver care for minor issues, allowing resource-intensive exam rooms to be kept free for more complex patient needs.

Biophilic design principles are found throughout supporting a calm and mindful experience that is reflected in materials and landscaped views. Small clusters of rooms support improved acoustic treatments to minimize stress in a busy environment. Clear wayfinding features between ED and the new RAC provide visual graphic cues for patients and family to easily find their way between the two major care areas.

Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC) and Diagnostic Testing Clinic (DTC) were co-located to make room for the RAC expansion. Co-locating offered the opportunity to rethink how the space could be used more flexibly. The exam rooms have been universally designed so that they can adapt to an array of functions and flex between the two department during their peak periods. Similarly, the registration and waiting areas were located together to adapt to patient volumes and the suite has been designed for a future electronic queuing and room scheduling system.