A “catchment” is a defined geographic area. The catchment boundaries are to be defined with reference to administrative boundaries, service delivery patterns and transport networks. A brief description, of the physical geography, history of the area and local economy, may assist in providing an understanding of the service demands. A map should be prepared showing the area of the catchments, major towns, suburbs, transport links and any other relevant information.
Catchments will vary in size depending on whether the services provided are Statewide, to the local communities or to specific target groups. The catchment should be agreed prior to proceeding with the data analysis stage.
Demographic information for the catchment area and population figures relevant to the project should be generated and may include:
The services currently provided in the area, the proposed new services and any services being relocated should be described and discussed in relation to the development proposal.
The supply and demand for services should also be considered, including future predictions of service requirements.
An analysis of the demand for services should include:
Statistics on service demand and utilisation are to be analysed and compared with rates for similar examples, both Statewide and nationally. Variations from the norm should be discussed. Accepted Departmental benchmarks should be considered.
The forecast service demand is to be based on factors including:
Future requirements and distribution by speciality are to be estimated by:
The service demand is to be estimated for a 10-year period on a yearly basis to establish the peak requirement. Such figures generally provide the basis for service planning. Other considerations to be considered may include:
The preferred service model would consider various options, taking into consideration current and future requirements. Future changes should be considered in terms of changes in legislation, technology and demand.
Throughput estimates or suitable benchmarks are required. These should consider current practice, rates in similar centres, quality, efficient and effective service delivery and changes in practice, technology and therapies.
The hours of service operation required must be established as well as related issues, e.g., car parking requirements and transport.
Ancillary services such as administration, hotel, training, engineering and supply services would be assessed on the basis of historical information, relevant / current Government policies and future demand requirements.
The service delivery needs to be considered in the context of similar or related services.
The Service Plan should assess linkages to services within a geographic boundary and to services of a complementary nature to ensure coordination.
Where possible, the Service Plan would examine the opportunities to rationalise these patterns.
Where a project involves a range of services the analysis is to consider opportunities for sharing facilities and staff between service areas to gain economies of scale and increase efficiency.
The optimum location for a facility is to be established with reference to access for clients and an economical unit size. The location of service should be based on population-based resource allocation.
The options available to provide the required facilities and personnel are to be determined by using data such as that listed above in accordance with accepted best practice. The estimated peak demand for service for a ten-year period should be used to calculate demand. Any facility should be of adequate size to meet this service demand for the period of this service life.
A “Relationship Diagram” showing the key relationship between each service delivery area and each support area is to be prepared.
The important functional relationships need to be determined. This can be done in a variety of ways and refer to the Example of Functional Relationship Priorities illustrating a simple manner of presenting this information.
It is essential that consideration be given to the sharing of common and support facilities where practical, as well as incorporating flexibility of use into the designed spaces.
Example of Functional Relationship Priorities
|
Activity |
Primary Functions |
|||||||
|
CR |
TR |
WA |
Off |
AR |
Rp |
PC |
Rc |
|
|
Consulting Rooms |
- |
H |
H |
L |
L |
M |
M |
M |
|
Treatment Rooms |
H |
- |
L |
L |
L |
M |
H |
L |
|
Waiting Area |
H |
L |
- |
L |
M |
M |
H |
L |
|
Offices |
L |
L |
L |
- |
L |
L |
L |
M |
|
Activity Rooms |
L |
L |
M |
L |
- |
M |
H |
L |
|
Reception |
H |
M |
M |
L |
M |
- |
L |
H |
|
Public Convenience |
M |
H |
H |
L |
H |
L |
- |
L |
|
Records
|
M |
L |
L |
M |
L |
H |
L |
- |
A recurrent budget is to be determined for the preferred service model. The budget should relate to the current services, proposed new services profile/mix and the difference between the existing and proposed new. The proposed budget should be clearly separated into categories such as operational/staffing, maintenance and consumables.
The Services Plan should have clear measurable performance indicators. These indicators should clearly identify any constraints and/or resources required to achieve the agreed services mix. The performance indicators should be agreed with the Department of Human Services.
A draft report, which documents the Service Plan, is to be prepared. Comparisons of the throughput rate and facilities provided at similar centres are to be made. The relevant Agency managers are to review and sign off the Service Plan.
Preparation of the Report - A draft Service Plan should be prepared and form the basis for discussion with a clear rationale for the recommended options outlined in the draft report.