Floor Plan

Technical Considerations

A) Equipment and Communication:

Sutherland et al. (2018) points out that private radiology institutions should have modern virtual and augmented reality technologies. Hence our private office has cutting-edge imaging technology for both standard x-rays and SPECT scans. To ensure accurate diagnosis and patient safety, we invest in cutting-edge technologies. Our radiographers have received thorough training in the use of this sophisticated equipment, and our nuclear medicine specialists have vast experience with radioactive tracers for SPECT scans. Each radiography personnel or staff in our institution must have a dosimeter device to measure how much radiation they get exposed to.

Sutherland et al. (2018) implies that communication is critical in radiology organization. Thus, we have put in place a strong communication system to promote effective collaboration across departments, referring physicians, and patients. Our RIS & PACS systems enable the seamless sharing of patient information and imaging findings, allowing for fast consultations and treatment planning.

B) Structural and Shielding:

According to Sagon and Surujpaul (2020) radiology facility must be built with safety in mind. Thus, the examination rooms include lead-lined walls and doors, which provide appropriate radiation protection for both patients and personnel. This shielding eliminates unwanted radiation exposure while adhering to the greatest safety requirements. Furthermore, our SPECT room is intended to reduce radiation dispersion, which improves patient safety during nuclear medicine treatments.

Safety Considerations

Mobit et al. (2014) explains that in private radiology practices, patient safety is of the first importance. As a result, to reduce the hazards connected with radiation exposure, we closely adhere to safety measures. To safeguard both patients and them, all staff members get regular safety training and adhere to best practices. For instance, having a red light on top of each X-Ray or Screening room to alert personnel when the radiation is being exposed.

We use warning systems and guidelines for CT scans to guarantee that patients are not exposed to high radiation doses. Our CT equipment include dose-reduction capabilities, and our technicians employ scan parameters that are suited to each patient's individual needs. For instance, the CT machines are calibrated for certain circumstances and thresholds with different radiation exposures, thus there will be a mandate for radiographers to select patient sizes i.e., Large\Medium\Small for different dose exposure.

Warning Symbols & Signs

General Guidelines About the Design of X-Ray Rooms Document History Final Version Reason for Amendment Effective Date (2022) Maintains that radiation warning signs must be posted at the entrances to all locations when the operator of an X-ray machine in that room or area is being monitored individually (SAHPRA, 2022).

In our Institution it will be essential to display the following clear and concise warning symbols and signs to ensure the safety of patients, staff and Visitors.

• Radiation Hazard sign: This sign, often known as the trefoil, is used to represent regions where there is radiation. It should be conspicuously displayed in places where X-ray or nuclear medicine treatments are conducted. This emblem acts as a reminder to take precautionary measures and prevent undue exposure.

• Restricted Area Sign: These signs denote regions where entry is restricted owing to potential radiation exposure. These restricted locations should only be entered by authorized persons, such as qualified radiologic technicians and healthcare workers.

• No Entry Sign: This sign should be put in places where unskilled or unauthorized persons should not be allowed to access. It helps to avoid unintentional radiation exposure and guarantees that only certified personnel have access to the approved regions.

• Caution: Radioactive Materials Sign: Use this warning sign in situations where radioactive materials are kept or handled. It warns people of the presence of potentially dangerous items and advises them to be cautious.

• MRI Safety indicators: It is critical to show appropriate MRI safety indicators in facilities equipped with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. These signs should remind patients and visitors to remove any metallic objects before entering the MRI room, as well as alert them about the possible hazards of metallic objects in the MRI setting.

• Emergency Procedures Sign: This sign gives instructions on what to do in the event of an unexpected incident, such as a power outage, equipment malfunction, or a bad response to contrast chemicals used in some imaging investigations.

• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Signs: These signs should remind staff and patients to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as lead aprons or thyroid shields, during X-ray examinations to minimize radiation exposure.

• Hygiene and Handwashing Signs: These signs encourage proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing, to prevent the spread of infections within the facility.

• Slip and Fall Hazard Signs: These signs should be placed in areas prone to wet or slippery floors, alerting people to the potential risk and prompting them to exercise caution.

Design of the x ray rooms guided by (SAHPRA, 2022)

A.   General X-ray, Radio-pharmacy and SPECT/CT Gamma Camera Rooms

Room size: The general radiographic rooms are going to be 17 m2 this will enable enough space for permanently bult cubicles. The fluoroscopy room will be 25 m2. The special procedure room will be 20 m2.

·         Doors and walls

The access doors will be of the sliding type. This ensures better radiation protection. The clearing will be 1.5 m and overlap of 100m on each side. Every door will be lined with lead sheet of 2 mm thickness. Every wall will be 230 kiln baked clay brick. The walls will be protected with the height of 2.3 m.

·         Ceiling and floors

All the x ray rooms will be located at the ground floor. Since the building will be a single story there will be no ceiling slab.

·         Windows and air conditioning units

The windows and air conditioning units will be 2.5 m above the floor and the access to the windows will be prevented.

·         Protective cubicle

In the X-Ray room, a protective cubicle with space for both the control and the operator should be built. The cubicle should be placed so that unattenuated direct scatter radiation from the examination table or the upright bucky does not reach the operator. The system's X-Ray control should be installed within the cubicle and at least 1.02 metres away from any exposed edge of the cubicle wall closest to the examination table. The cubicle should include at least one viewing glass that allows the operator to see the patient during any exposure. The window should be at least 30 centimetres by 30 centimetres in size.

The cubicle's minimum height is 2.2 meters. The wall or panel, as well as the protective glass, should have a lead equivalency of 2 millimetres, i.e., 230 millimetres brick. The lead glass and protective material must be at least 25 mm apart.

·         Change cubicles

The Access doors to the cubicles are designed to be lockable for the safety and privacy of our patients.

·         Radiation warning notices/ signs

Warning lights will be at the entrances to fluoroscopy rooms. The light will be

connected to the generator in such a way that it will illuminate only during activation of the tube.

·         Special procedure rooms

CT: the doors will be lined with 1.8 mm lead sheet, and the walls will be 230 mm kiln baked solid clay brick, protective glass of 1.5 mm lead glass, the warning lights will be placed at all entrances to the CT rooms.

Fixed C arm: Doors are lined with 1 mm lead sheet, and walls are built with 115 mm bricks.

B.   General X-Ray Room:

 1. Radiation Protection: Lead shielding is integrated into the walls, floor, and ceiling to reduce radiation exposure to surrounding employees and patients. The room is built to minimize radiation scatter.

2. Room layout: The X-ray machine, patient table, and other relevant equipment can be accommodated in the room layout. It also gives the technologist adequate room to move about comfortably.

3. Patient Comfort: The comfort of the patient is critical. The table should be movable for various settings, and the space should have sufficient lighting and a relaxing ambience.

 4. Control Area/ Console room: There is a separate radiation-protected control area where the technician can operate the X-ray equipment. The patient is clearly visible in this area.

5. Safety Features: In the event of an emergency, emergency shutdown switches and interlocks are strategically placed to instantly stop radiation exposure.

C. Radio-pharmacy

1. Radiation Safety: Our radio-pharmacy room is designed to prevent the spread of radioactive materials by having adequate shielding and ventilation to protect both workers and the surroundings.

2. Workstations: There are designated workstations in the room for specific duties such as dispensing, labelling, and packing radiopharmaceuticals.

3. Storage: For radioactive materials, there is a secure storage space with proper shielding and labelling.

4. Safety Equipment: Staff working in radio-pharmacy can easily obtain safety equipment such as lead aprons, gloves, and radiation monitors.

 D. Room for Nuclear Medicine SPECT/CT Gamma Camera

1.    Shielding: Because gamma cameras generate ionizing radiation, the room is suitably protected with lead or other radiation-absorbing materials to protect surrounding employees and patients.

2.    The layout allows for simple access to the gamma camera and CT scanner, as well as a safe distance from the radiation source.

3.    Control Room: Create a separate control room where technicians may operate equipment and supervise the imaging process without being exposed to unneeded radiation.

4.    Install an intercom system that allows patients to communicate with technologists during the process.

5.    Patient Comfort: The procedure room provides a comfortable and peaceful environment for patients, including proper seating and temperature control.

6.    Storage: There is a designated place in the room for radiopharmaceuticals and safety equipment.

E. Room for Ultrasound

1. Room layout: The ultrasound machine, patient bed, and any necessary storage are all accommodated in the room, with enough space for the sonographer to walk around easily.

2. Lighting: The room contains lighting that allows the sonographer to see well while remaining comfortable for the patient.

3. Acoustics: sound-absorbing materials are used in the room to reduce noise interference during the treatment.

4. Storage: There is plenty of room for ultrasound gels, probes, patient data, and other equipment.

5. Patient Comfort: The adjustable patient bed allows for multiple imaging positions. During longer procedures, there is a screen for visual distraction.

6. Privacy: soundproofing and drapes for patient changing areas are provided in the room.