Field of the invention The present invention relates to work spaces .

In particular, although by no means exclusively, the present invention relates to a work space for carrying out medical tests on patients and to an arrangement of a plurality of the work spaces in a medical facility.

Background

During health screening, a patient has to undergo a series of medical tests and examinations.

Normally, a patient has to sit in a common lounge and wait to be called for each test and examination.

The patient, depending on the tests and examinations required, has to move from the common lounge to different rooms or facilities where suitable medical equipment is located. In between tests and examinations, the patient returns to the common lounge and waits to be called for the next test. The whole visit can take a long time, a large portion of which is spent waiting in the common lounge .

This process is slow, inefficient and requires additional staff members to manage patients in the common lounge, including identifying and directing patients to the various locations for their tests and examinations.

Past attempts at improving the situation include the following:

• Building larger and nicer common lounges with more comfortable seats and better facilities to provide a better environment for patients waiting for tests and examinations .

· Arranging more medical test equipment, facilities and staff members to reduce the waiting time of the patients . • Providing private waiting rooms for patients who have paid pay extra fees or have special requirements.

There is a need for an alternative system for

providing medical tests and screening for patients in medical facilities .

The above description is not an admission of the common general knowledge in Singapore or elsewhere .

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a work space, which may also be described as a "pod", comprising:

a patient zone;

a health worker zone; and

an opening to allow access to the work space,

wherein the work space is defined by a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, with each side wall including:

a first section that defines a side wall section of the patient zone,

a second section that defines a side wall section of the health worker zone, and

a third section that interconnects the first and second sections and laterally displaces the first and second sections of each side wall and, as a consequence, laterally displaces the health worker zone and the patient zone .

The lateral displacement of the first and second sections of the side walls makes it possible for equipment to be positioned to one side of the health worker in the health worker zone and equipment to be positioned to one side of the patient in the patient zone with the health worker having direct access to the patient.

In addition to this efficient positioning of

equipment within the work space while still allowing good access of a health worker to a patient in the work space, the lateral displacement also helps to create a private zone for a patient in the work space without making the space claustrophobic.

In addition, the lateral displacement of the first and second sections of the side walls makes it possible for a plurality of the work spaces to be positioned in side by side relationship in a row in a nested

arrangement .

The lateral displacement of the first and second sections of the first side wall and the lateral

displacement of the first and second sections of the second side wall is typically the same .

The first and second sections of each side wall may be parallel to each other.

The third section of each side wall may be at an angle in a range of 15-60 ^a , typically 25-50 ^a , more typically 30-40 ^a to the first and second sections.

The length of the third section may be 10-20% of the total length of each side wall .

The lengths of the first and second sections may be the same or different lengths.

The opening may be located opposite the rear wall .

In some embodiments, the first side wall and the second side wall have the same heights.

In other embodiments, the first side wall and the second side wall have different heights.

The height of the first side wall and the second side wall may be selected to be greater than the height of a patient in a seated position in the patient zone and greater than the height of a health worker in a standing position in the health worker zone.

In some embodiments, the work space further comprises a light reflector to direct light into the patient zone and/or the health worker zone.

The work space may comprise medical equipment for carrying out medical tests on a patient.

In some embodiments the work space comprises a fold- out table movable from an operable position to a non- operable position, wherein, in the non-operable position, the table abuts the third section of the first wall.

The work space may be formed as a pre-assembled module and transported to an end-use site .

The present invention also provides an arrangement of a plurality of work spaces as described above, wherein at least two adjacent work spaces are arranged in side by side relationship in a nested configuration to one another and form a first row or a section of a first row of work spaces.

The work spaces may be pre-formed modules that are positioned side by side.

Alternatively, adjacent work spaces may share a common side wall .

In some embodiments, the openings of the work spaces are located opposite to the rear walls thereby forming a line of consecutive openings facing in the same direction.

The arrangement may further comprising a second row of work spaces having the same configuration as the first row of work spaces, with the second row of work spaces being spaced apart from the first row of work spaces thereby defining a corridor between the first and the second row of work spaces .

The openings of each work space may open towards the corridor.

In some embodiments, the arrangement further

comprises a second row of work spaces having the same configuration as the first row of work spaces, with the rear walls of the work spaces in the first row being adjacent to or abutting the rear walls of the work spaces in the second row so that the openings in the work spaces of the first row open in an opposite direction to the openings in the work spaces of the second row.

In some other embodiments, the arrangement further comprises a second row of work spaces having a similar configuration to the first row of work spaces, with the work spaces in the first row sharing the rear wall with the work spaces in the second row.

Advantages and other features of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings, description and claims .

Brief description of the drawings

In order that work space of the invention may be more clearly ascertained, an embodiment is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying

drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a work space in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a different perspective view of the work space of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the external walls of the work space of Figure 1;

Figure 4A and 4B shows front views of the work space of Figure 1;

Figure 5A and 5B shows side views of the work space of Figure 1;

Figure 6A and 6B shows top views of the work space of Figure 1;

Figure 7A and 7B shows top views of the work space of Figure 1 with a patient and a health worker therein;

Figure 8A, 8B and 8C shows three embodiments of different arrangements of the work spaces of Figure 1; and

Figure 9 shows a front view of a row of the work spaces of Figure 1.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

The term "patient zone" is understood herein to be a zone in which a patient is seated for treatment .

The term "health worker" zone is understood herein to be a zone in which a health worker can stand or sit and carry out medical tests on the patient. Figures 1 and 2 show a work space 10 in the form of an individual pre-assembled module adapted to accommodate a patient 40 and a health worker 42. The work space 10 is typically positioned within a room as part of an

arrangement of a plurality of work spaces 10, as described below. The work space 10 includes furniture and fittings that are described in more detail below.

The work space 10 comprises a patient zone 20, a health worker zone 22 and an opening 24 to allow access to the work space 10. The work space 10 is defined by a rear wall 30, a first side wall 31 and a second side wall 32.

As is more clearly shown in Figure 3 the first and the second side walls 31, 32 include (a) a first section 34 that defines a side wall section of the patient zone 20, (b) a second section 35 that defines a side wall section of the health worker zone 22, and (c) a third section 36 that interconnects the first and second

sections and provides a lateral displacement between the health worker zone 22 and the patient zone 20. The patient zone 20 and the health worker zone 22 are

substantially the same area. It is noted that the

invention is not limited to this arrangement and the zones may be different areas.

In the described embodiment, the first and the second sections 34, 35 of the side walls 31, 32 are straight sections .

In addition, in the described embodiment, the third sections 36 of the side walls 31, 32 are also straight sections extending at an angle to the first and second sections 34, 35, thereby providing the desired lateral displacement . The angle may be any suitable angle . In the described embodiment, the angle is 30 ^s .

However, in another although not the only other embodiment, the third sections 36 are curved sections.

In the described embodiment, the opening 24 is located opposite the rear wall 30 so that the patient zone 20 is adjacent the rear wall 30 and the health worker zone 22 is adjacent the opening 24. This configuration allows the patient 40 to enter the work space 10 and position himself or herself in the patient zone 20 located close to the rear wall 30. The health worker 42, or a number of successive health workers, can then enter and leave the work space 10 while the patient 40 is in the patient zone 20. With this arrangement, the patient 40 does not restrict access of the health worker 42 to the work space 10, and the patient 40 can wait in the work space 10 for successive tests and examinations to be carried out, as may be required. At the same time, this configuration allows the or each health worker 42 to easily and quickly enter and exit the work space 10 and access the health worker zone 22 and the patient 40 without disturbing the patient 40.

In other embodiments the opening 24 is located in any one of the rear wall 30, the first side wall 31 and the second side wall 32. Also, more than one opening may be provided.

The opening 24 of the embodiment in Figure 4A is in the wall opposite to the rear wall 30. The opening 24 of the embodiment in Figure 4B further includes a curtain 25 to provide adequate privacy to the patient 40 while waiting and/or while under medical examination. Any other form of shielding or visual protection from the exterior of the work space 10 can be provided.

Referring to the Figures generally, and Figures 1, 5A and 5B particularly, the first side wall 31 and the second side wall 32 have different heights in different zones of the work space 10. In particular, the height of the first side wall 31 and the second side wall 32 are selected so that the height of the first side wall 31 is greater than the height of the patient 40 in a seated position in the patient zone 20 and the height of the second side wall 32 is greater than the height of the health worker 42 in a standing position in the health worker zone 22. The selection of these different heights of the first side wall 31 and the second side wall 32 provides privacy for patients 40 and health workers 42 in the work space 10 without unnecessarily creating a confined space 10. This is an important consideration for patients who may be in the work space 10 for extended periods of time.

In other embodiments the first side wall 31 and the second side wall 32 have the same height . In still other embodiments, the height of the first side wall 31 and the second side wall 32 varies as desired.

In the described embodiment, the work space 10 includes a light reflector 50 to direct light into the patient zone 20 and/or the health worker zone 22 from a light source that is outside the work space 10. The light reflector 50 is provided to ensure that the work space 10 is properly illuminated to allow the health worker 42 to carry out required tests and examinations. The light reflector 50 is shown as a series of elongate elements, but may be any suitable arrangement . As shown in Figures 1, 2, 5A and 5B, the light reflector 50 is positioned in the upper part of the work space 10 and runs along the entire perimeter defined by the work space 10. The light reflector 50 is spaced apart from the first and second side walls 31, 32 by supporting members 51 located along the first and the second side walls 31, 32.

The light source may be the lighting provided for the room in which the work space 10 is located.

Alternatively, or in addition, the light reflector 50 can accommodate light sources (not shown) , such as light bulbs or LED lights, to provide the required lighting inside the work space 10.

The lighting may be adjustable in one or both of the patient zone 20 and the health worker zone 22 so that the patient 40 and the health worker 42 can adjust the lighting. This makes it possible for the patient 40 to create a more relaxing and pleasant environment from a lighting perspective during periods waiting for the next test of examination. In some other embodiments, the light reflector 50 is in contact with the rear wall 30 and the first and the second side walls 31, 32. Additionally, in other

embodiments, the light reflector 50 only runs along part of the perimeter defined by the work space 10. For example the light reflector 50 can be positioned just on top of one or both of the side walls 31, 32 and/or on top of the rear wall 30.

In the described embodiment, recessed LED strip lighting 53 with diffusers is positioned in the upper part of the rear wall 30. However, any other of suitable lightening solution can be implemented.

The work space 10 comprises medical equipment (not shown) for carrying out medical tests and examinations on a patient. The work space 10, in the context of big medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics, is a semi-private enclosure where a number of medical tests and examinations can be carried out by health workers, such as nurses or doctors. Medical tests available may include:

· Eye tests via virtual reality system.

• Height & weight measurements.

• Body Mass Index.

• Body fat .

• Blood pressure.

· Blood testing.

The work space 10 provides a space-efficient

environment for carrying out medical tests and, at the same time, provides the patient 40 with the desired privacy and with the patient 40 remaining in the work space 10 between tests and examinations.

While the work space 10 contains basic medical equipment, such as height measuring equipment 55, other more specific medical devices can be transported to and from the work space 10, as required.

The medical equipment is strategically positioned in the work space 10 with the aid of space efficient

supporting elements and storage elements, such as retractable tables 56.

Examples of furniture and other elements that can be provided in the work space 10 are shown in Figures 1, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B. With reference to these Figures, the work space 10 houses, for example, open storage for personal objects 58, a lockable patient storage unit 59, a coat hook 60, and a bag hook 61.

The work space 10 in the described embodiment

includes a swing out table surface 56, a countertop space 63 and a built-in, custom-designed patient armchair 65. The armchair 65 comprises a backrest 66, a removable headrest 67, armrests 68 and a cushion 69.

The work space 10 shown in Figures 1, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B further includes power and data terminals 71,

adjustable lighting 72, bottle/cup holder (not shown) , a control panel with nurse call feature (not shown) and a digital tablet 73 to ease waiting time. The provided facilities allow customers to work, relax, eat, drink or even doze during any intervals between testing.

The above description refers to examples of equipment and furniture available to a patient 40 in the work space 10. The list is not inclusive and can vary as desired.

An example of a space-efficient element in the work space 10 is the retractable table 56 shown in Figures 6A to 7B. The retractable table 56 is in the form of a fold- out table that is movable from an operable position (shown in Figures 6A and 7B) to a non-operable, i.e. stowed position (shown in Figures 6B and 7A) . In the non-operable position, the table 56 abuts the third section 36 of the first side wall 31 over an optional countertop 63. This arrangement allows the health worker 42 to have a

supporting surface to use during tests and examinations, while allowing open access to the patient zone 20 when the table 56 is not in use. The fold-out table can be

substituted with any other supporting element that can be stored away when not required.

In some embodiments, the work space 10 is a module made of elements that can be assembled and dissembled as desired. The modular construction makes it possible for the work space 10 to be delivered as a pre-assembled unit to a desired location and positioned on site quickly, thereby providing a convenient way of transportation and installation for the local contractors at medical

facilities .

The above described work spaces 10 can be placed inside medical facilities as a single separate module or can be combined and arranged with other work spaces 10 to more efficiently use the available space.

Figures 8A to 8C shows three embodiments of

arrangements of a plurality of work spaces 10.

Referring to Figure 8A, at least two adjacent work spaces 10 are arranged in a side by side nested

configuration to one another forming a first row 81a of work spaces 10.

In the described embodiment, the adjacent work spaces share a common side wall 31, 32. However, in other embodiments, the work spaces 10 are modules positioned side by side .

Still referring to Figure 8A, the openings 24 of each of the work spaces 10 are located opposite to the rear walls 30, thereby forming a line of consecutive openings 24 facing in the same direction, as also shown in Figure

9. Such configuration allows the health worker 42 to have easy and quick access to consecutive work spaces 10, thereby improving the efficiency of the process.

Figure 8A further shows a second row 82a of work spaces 10 having the same configuration as the first row 81a of work spaces 10. The second row 82a of work spaces 10 is spaced apart from the first row 81a of work spaces

10, thereby defining a corridor 84a between the first and the second row of work spaces . The openings of each work space open towards the corridor 84a. This configuration allows the health worker 42 to quickly reach an even larger number of patients 40 waiting in the work spaces 10.

Figure 8B shows, in the central part of the room, a different arrangement of work spaces 10. The arrangement shown in Figure 8B does still comprises a first and a second row 86a, 87a of work spaces 10 where in each row

86a, 87a at least two adjacent work spaces 10 are arranged in a nested configuration to one another. However, in this embodiment the work spaces 10 in the first row 86a share the rear wall 30 with the work spaces in the second row 87a.

In other embodiments, though, the rear walls 30 of the work spaces in the first row 86a are adjacent to the rear walls of the work spaces 10 in the second row 87a.

As shown in Figure 8B, another possible arrangement is having aisles 89 formed by a single work space 10 sharing the rear wall 30 with another work space 10.

Figure 8C shows, yet again another room arrangement, combining two rows of work spaces 10 facing each other 81b, 82b and divided by a corridor 84b and two aisles 90 of workspaces 10 with a first row 86b of work spaces 10 sharing the rear wall 30 with a second row 87b of work spaces 10. Yet again in other embodiments the work spaces of the rows 86b, 87b forming the aisles 90 have individual rear wall 30.

The number of work spaces 10 forming a row of

workspaces and the arrangement adopted varies with the medical facilities requirements and further depend on the size and space of the room where the work spaces 10 are located.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art

publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.