The design of a radiation oncology unit plays a critical role in ensuring effective cancer treatment, patient safety, and operational efficiency.
A well-planned unit provides:
- Optimal Patient Care: A properly designed layout enhances patient comfort and ensures smooth movement between consultation, imaging, and treatment areas.
- Radiation Safety: Proper shielding and compliance with radiation protection guidelines prevent exposure to patients, staff, and the surrounding environment.
- Operational Efficiency: A seamless workflow, from patient intake to treatment delivery, minimizes delays and maximizes resource utilization.
- Future-Proofing: Considering advancements in radiation therapy technology, facilities must be designed with adaptability in mind for future equipment upgrades.
By integrating ergonomics, safety measures, and patient-centered design, a radiation oncology unit can significantly enhance treatment outcomes and improve the overall healthcare experience.
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1) Brief Overview of Radiation Therapy in Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy is a crucial component of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or proton beams, to target and destroy cancer cells.
It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissues.
The two primary types of radiation therapy include:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Uses a machine like a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) to direct radiation precisely at the tumor.
- Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): Involves placing a radioactive source inside or near the tumor site.
Advancements in technology, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and proton therapy, have significantly improved treatment precision and patient outcomes.
2) About Radiation Oncology Unit
The purpose of the Radiation Oncology Unit is to provide facilities and equipment for treatment of patients using radioactive rays. The Radiation Oncology Unit may contain one or both electron beam therapy and radiation therapy.
Although not recommended, a Simulation Room may be omitted in small linear accelerator facilities where other positioning geometry is provided.
Room sizes and specifications for a Radiation Oncology Unit should accommodate the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations, as space requirements may vary from one machine to another and one manufacturer to another. Radiation Oncology may also be referred to as Radiotherapy or Radiation Therapy.
3) Planning of Radiation Oncology Unit
i) Functional Areas
The Radiation Oncology Unit may include the following Functional Areas:
- Reception, Waiting, administrative and records areas
- Patient treatment areas including Radiotherapy Bunkers, Treatment Planning, Simulation, Holding area, Patient Toilet
- Film processing and storage areas
- Support areas including Consult, Utilities, Cleaner’s Room, Store, Disposal rooms
- Staff areas including Staff Station, Offices, Staff Change and Toilets.
Support areas
The following optional support areas may be required:
- Quality control area with illuminated X-ray viewing boxes
- Computer control area normally located adjacent to the Radiotherapy Room entry
- Dosimetry equipment area
- Hypothermia Room (may be combined with an Examination Room)
- Oncologist’s Office (may be combined with Consultation Room)
- Physicist’s Office (may be combined with Treatment Planning)
- Treatment Planning and Record Room.
- Provision shall be made for the following additional support areas for Linear Accelerator:
- Mould Room with exhaust hood and hand basin
- Block Room with storage (may be combined with the Mould Room).
ii) Functional Relationships
The Radiation Oncology Unit should be located with ready access for ambulant patients and beds/trolleys. The Unit may be co-located with Medical Imaging Units.
If intra-operative therapy is proposed, the Radiation Oncology Unit should be located close to the Operating Unit or with a direct link. A ground level location is preferred due to the weight of the equipment and shielding requirements, and for ease of installation and replacement.
4) Design of Radiation Oncology Unit
i) Building Service Requirements
Construction standards
The flooring for a Radiation Oncology Unit shall be adequate to meet the load requirements for equipment, patient, and personnel. Provision for cable ducts or conduits should be made in the floors and ceilings as required.
Ceiling mounted equipment should have properly designed rigid support structures located above the finished ceiling. The minimum recommended ceiling height is 3 metres. A lay-in type of ceiling should be considered for ease of installation,
service, and remodelling.
Radiation protection
Cobalt and linear accelerator rooms require radiation protection that may include concrete walls, floors and ceiling to a specified thickness. The radiation protection needs of the unit shall be assessed by an AERB consultant.
This assessment is to specify the type, location, and amount of protection to be installed in accordance with final approved department layout and equipment selection. The radiation protection requirements shall be incorporated into the final plans and specifications.
5) Components of the Unit
The Radiation Oncology Unit will contain Standard Components according to the Level of Service. Provide Standard Components to comply with details in the Standard Components described in these Guidelines. Refer also to Standard Components Room Data Sheets and Room Layout Sheets.
6) Schedule of Accommodation
Radiation Oncology Unit Generic Schedule of Accommodation
Schedule of Accommodation for a Radiation Oncology Unit for 2 & 4 Bunkers
NOTE 1: 150m2 spatial allocation for one Linear Accelerator bunker includes maze and radiation shielding wall, bunker size depends on equipment selected and radiation shielding recommendation from AERB consultant.
Please note the following:
- Areas noted in Schedules of Accommodation take precedence over all other areas noted in the FPU.
- Rooms indicated in the schedule reflect the typical arrangement according to the Role Delineation.
- Exact requirements for room quantities and sizes will reflect Key Planning Units identified in the service plan and the policies of the Unit.
- Room sizes indicated should be viewed as a minimum requirement; variations are acceptable to reflect the needs of individual Unit.
- Office areas are to be provided according to the Unit role delineation and staffing establishment.
- Staff and support rooms may be shared between Functional Planning Units dependant on location and accessibility to each unit and may provide scope to reduce duplication of facilities.
7) Functional Relationship Diagram
Radiation Oncology Unit Functional Relationship Diagram
