Diagnostic Testing Centre & Pre-Admission Clinic (RAC Phase 1)

This is the first phase in the Toronto General Hospital’s expansion of the Emergency Department rapid assessment services into the new Michael Lawrence Turk Rapid Assessment Centre - currently under construction. Both projects are helping pave the way to reduced wait times and an improved patient experience.

Phase 1 consisted of relocating the existing Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC) and Diagnostic Testing Clinic (DTC) to make room for the RAZ expansion. Although the new program area is similar in size to the existing one, the design complies with CSA Z-8000 space standards (more space is needed to fit the same program), this demanded creative and flexible design solutions.

The DTC performs ECGs and collects samples in 8 new blood draw bays featuring biophilic finishes and images chosen to help calm patients.  The PAC sees patients before a surgery in new larger exam rooms that offer greater flexibility and can accommodate space for family members, staff, researchers, medical learners and translators with comfort.

Co-locating the DTC and PAC 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.   

Phase 2
The Michael Lawrence Turk Rapid Assessment Centre (RAC) registers, sees, and treats lower acuity patients initially triaged in the main Emergency Department. The RAC is designed with a new approach to patient flow to help relieve pressure on the main ED and reduce ‘hallway medicine’. In the RAC, patients are triaged in private exam rooms and moved to individual recliner bays for minor treatment in comfort, each designed with a window seat for guests and views into the adjacent garden. This flow of patients frees up exam rooms for the next patient and aims to provide an improved patient experience.