The surgical department shall be so located to prevent routine traffic through it to any other part of the hospital and completely separated from the obstetrical department.
The operating suite shall consist of major operating room or rooms, each having an area of not less than 270 square feet with a minimum width of 15 feet; separate scrub-up area adjacent to operating room; cleanup room; storage areas for instruments, sterile supplies, and anesthesia equipment; and a janitors' closet. In hospitals consisting of 50 or more beds, a surgical supervisor's station, doctors' locker room and toilet, and nurses' locker room and toilet shall be provided. In hospitals of less than 50 beds, doctors' and nurses' locker and toilet rooms may be provided in a convenient location outside the operating and delivery suites to serve both units.
A stretcher alcove and a recovery (postanesthesia) room are recommended.
A central sterilizing and supply room shall be provided and divided into work space, sterilizing space, and separate storage areas for sterile and unsterile supplies. Sterilizers and autoclaves for adequate sterilization of supplies and utensils shall be provided.
Provision of sterile water in flasks is recommended.
Minn. R. agency 144, ch. 4645, FACILITIES IN GENERAL HOSPITALS, pt. 4645.0900
Statutory Authority: MS s 144.55; 144.56