Technical Guidelines for Geriatric Ward Planning and Design for Health Facility Setting
The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines issued Department Circular No. 2020-0226, outlining technical guidelines for the planning and design of geriatric wards in health facilities, as mandated by the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. Each government hospital is required to establish a geriatric ward dedicated to senior citizens needing hospitalization. These wards can temporarily serve emergency purposes when necessary but must return to their primary function afterward. The circular also references existing policy guidelines for standards of care for older persons in various healthcare settings, and provides detailed resources for the design and staffing of geriatric wards. DOH officials are encouraged to disseminate this information for effective implementation.
Law Information
- Reference Number
- DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0226
- Date Enacted
- Subcategory
- Department of Health
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
June 2, 2020
DOH DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 2020-0226
| FOR | : | All Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries of Health; Minister of Health — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; Directors of Bureaus, Services, and Centers for Health Development (CHD); Chiefs of Department of Health Medical Centers, Hospitals, Sanitaria and Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers; Executive Directors of Specialty Hospitals; and Others Concerned |
| SUBJECT | : | Technical Guidelines for Geriatric Ward Planning and Design for Health Facility Setting |
Pursuant to section 5.c of Republic Act No. 9994 or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010," which states that throughout the country, there shall be established a "senior citizens' ward" in every government hospital. These senior citizens' wards, also called geriatric wards, shall be for the exclusive use of senior citizens who are in need of hospital confinement by reason of their health conditions. However, when the urgency and for public necessity purposes so requires, such geriatric wards may be used for emergency purposes, after which, such "senior citizens' ward" shall be reverted to its nature as a geriatric ward.
The Department of Health (DOH) has issued the Administrative Order 2017-0001 entitled "Policy Guidelines on the Standards of Care for Older Persons in All Healthcare Settings" to provide policy guidelines for standards of care for older persons in all healthcare settings, acute and sub-acute care, rehabilitation facility, continuing care retirement community and long-term care.
In line with this, the minimum technical guidelines for every geriatric ward plan and design can be access through this link https://bit.ly/GeriaWardPlanningAndDesign:
Data Sheet A: Functional Design and Geriatric Ward Layout with Space Requirements
Data Sheet B: Geriatric Ward Checklist for Physical Design
Data Sheet C: Geriatric Ward Proposed Staffing
Data Sheet D: Geriatric Ward Proposed Equipment
For further guidance, you may contact Engr. June Philip Ruiz, Development Management Officer III of the Health Facility Development Bureau (HFDB) of the DOH through the email address [email protected]/[email protected], or through the telephone numbers (02) 8651-7800 local 1401 or 1406.
All concerned DOH officials and personnel are hereby enjoined to disseminate this issuance for information and guidance. CHTAIc
By Authority of the Secretary of Health:
(SGD.) LILIBETH C. DAVID, MD, MPH, MPM, CESO IUndersecretary of Health
Cite This Law
Technical Guidelines for Geriatric Ward Planning and Design for Health Facility Setting, DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0226, Jun 2, 2020 (Philippines)
Technical Guidelines for Geriatric Ward Planning and Design for Health Facility Setting, DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0226 (Phil. 2020)
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