Hospital and Kennel Design

Question 1

What are the 3 most important considerations for a hospitalisation environment?

Answer 1

• Enough space for expression of normal behaviour
• Allow appropriate disinfection
• Enrichment and prevention of boredom

Question 2

What are the disadvantages of a concrete environment?

Answer 2

Time-consuming to clean, heats up in direct sunlight, cold in winter

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of a tiled environment?

Answer 3

Slippery, difficult to clean (uneven surface)

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of a stainless steel environment?

Answer 4

Slippery, reflective, loud

Question 5

What are the advantages of a stainless steel environment?

Answer 5

Cheap, easy to clean

Question 6

What are the advantages of a fibreglass environment?

Answer 6

Hardwearing, easy to clean, non-reflective, easy to spot contaminants if white in colour

Question 7

What is the ideal temperature in the ward?

Answer 7

18-22C

Question 8

What considerations should be made re kennel design for non-ambulatory patients?

Answer 8

Soft bed with lots of padding, non-slip mats, possibly ramps to avoid stepping in/out of kennel

Question 9

What considerations should be made re kennel design for critical care patients?

Answer 9

East access for constant monitoring, rapid access to crash trolley, may need additional equipment e.g. ventilator

Question 10

What considerations should be made re kennel design for recumbent patients?

Answer 10

Very thick padded bedding, lots of incontinence sheets, vet bed on top to wick away urine and prevent scalds, space around kennel to be lifted out

Question 11

What considerations should be made re kennel design for suspected/confirmed infectious patients?

Answer 11

Barrier nursing essential, preferably in isolation ward, or if not then with completely separate equipment, do not house any other patients underneath