Facility, Technology, and Equipment

Medical clinics are required to comply with the Canadian Standards Association standard for the planning, design, and construction of healthcare facilities. Learn more about the pre-construction process.

Key steps include:

• Planning and accreditation: Prior to purchasing, leasing, or submitting building permits for a space, it’s important to engage the College and an IDT. Learn about the Non-Hospital Medical and Surgical Facilities Accreditation Program (NHMSFAP).
• Determine scope of services: Create a plan detailing procedures, anesthesia levels, equipment, target patient population, and consider staff qualifications for the new facility.
• Retain a design team: Assemble a qualified IDT comprising an architect, infection control professional, functional planners, engineers, and construction specialists. Contact the NHMSFAP.
• Facility design assessment: The CPSBC offers a Facility Design Assessment Policy designed to help facilities understand and comply with the CSA requirements. Learn more about the CSA Z8000 standard for Canadian health care facilities.
• BC building code: All construction projects must adhere to the provincial building code and accessibility standards.
• New facility readiness assessment: Evaluate your preparedness for advancing to the next steps with the new facility readiness assessment tool.

To ensure no accreditation concerns, submit detailed design plans of the proposed facility layout to the College for final comment once your health-care IDT develops them. Learn more about the construction process.

Key steps include:

• The detailed design plans for the proposed facility layout should undergo review by the College after development by your IDT. This review is crucial for addressing any potential accreditation concerns. It is important to note that only designs adhering to CSA Z8000 standards will be considered for building permit approval.
• Construction must be completed within the proposed time limit.
• Forms to be completed and submitted to the College:
  • New Facility Application form
  • Application for Approval/Change of Facility Name
  • Notification of Appointment of Medical Director
  • Ownership of Facility form

When construction is complete, Provide letters of assurance from your registered professionals (e.g., architect, engineers, designers) along with pre-accreditation documentation for on-site accreditation assessment following the completion of construction. Learn more about the post-construction process.

If you have acquired or taken over an existing clinic, please contact NHMSFAP before making any changes. It is essential to review the relevant policies before initiating any renovations. 

Learn more about renovating a facility.

In medical clinic design, tailored solutions are essential due to varying needs and budgets. Prioritize efficient processes, workflows, cost reduction, and enhanced patient care. Align your design with short-term and long-term practice goals, considering the specific needs of the community, such as after-hours care. 

Communicate your vision to your IDT for optimal planning. Some design considerations include:

Floor plan

• Assess staffing requirements to determine space needs for full-time and part-time personnel.
• Design clear zoning for public, clinical, and staff areas to optimize workflow and minimize cross-traffic.
• Position reception near the entrance with visible signage; ensure the waiting area is observable by the Medical Office Assistant (MOA).
• Cluster exam rooms near shared storage and utilities, maintaining uniformity in their design.
• Include adaptable spaces for telehealth and future services.
• Ensure compliance with CPSBC and the BC Building Code and consider Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for sustainability.

Accessibility

• Guarantee wheelchair access and clear movement in all rooms.
• Use smooth flooring transitions to reduce tripping hazards.
• Ensure corridors and doorways meet accessibility standards.
• Maximize natural light and ensure good sight lines for safety and visibility.
• Provide adequate, strategically located storage for documents and equipment.
• Consider larger rooms for group visits or educational sessions and prioritize ergonomic design for staff wellbeing.
• Evaluate equipment dimensions and optimal placement, using manufacturer specifications during the planning phase.

Interior finishes

• Employ durable, easy-to-clean, non-porous materials that adhere to infection control standards.
• Choose calming, neutral colours and avoid bright, distracting patterns.
• Integrate natural light, greenery, and artwork to enhance the environment.
• Ensure appropriate lighting and acoustic separation between rooms, while providing clear signage for staff and patients.
• Modify the HVAC system for optimal air exchange and compliance with CSA standards.

Futureproofing

• Utilize modular partitions and scalable infrastructure to facilitate future growth.
• Anticipate upgrades in technology and service offerings during design.
• Group mechanical and electrical systems for efficient scalability.
• Prioritize durable materials to minimize future renovation costs, recognizing the value of investing in long-term solutions.