A simulation model for bed allocation to hospital inpatient departments

Abstract

A general simulation model can be used to determine the bed complement in hospital inpatient departments to meet a pre determined demand for service. Certain operational constraints were considered in this version of our model: (1) emergency pa tients should be admitted without delay, (2) occupancy should not fall below a prespecified level, and (3) the waiting list length should not exceed a predetermined number. Extensions and modifications of the model are briefly discussed. Three case studies on the general medical, general surgical and orthopaedics departments at St. Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, Surrey (England), illustrate how this model may be utilised.