Clinic room size

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Hi All,

I'm over paying rent and can't really expand where I am, so I've been looking at houses or shops for a clinic. Do people have pro's/ cons for both??

I've been offered a shop to buy freehold, its not very big, but I think I can make something of it, the location is great. Its a bare canvas, has kitchen area, bathroom, small office, all tucked away at the back and the open space is approx 70-80m squared. Ideally, I would like two clinic rooms, another toilet and space for gait stuff etc. Sterilization is done off site.

Is there a good size for a clinic room? are there standard sizes etc etc. I'm in NSW Australia. I've tried looking on our guidelines, but didn't really see anything.

Cheers
Esher

 

Hi Esher,

Hope all is going well up there. Congratulations on expanding, I am sure your patients are loving your service. I thought it may be useful for you to be aware of the following before you make an offer on your new premises.

Just be aware with the location of your new clinic, that you are required to lodge a development application with the local council for "change of use" of the premises, if the previous use was not a medical clinic. Just because a premise is zoned 3A Commercial, certainly does not mean that it is necessarily suitable for use as a Podiatry Clinic. Podiatry Clinics are not classed as exempt development, and you must seek consent from the council prior to starting your business.

Podiatry Clinics fall under the definition of "Health Service Facility" with the local council. The requirement for development consent is generally 3 parking spaces per Practitioner (all OFF STREET), in addition to a designated disabled parking space. Additionally, there must be disabled access to the building and a disabled toilet. A lot of these changes came in post the 2008 disability discrimination act reforms.

Some Podiatrists seem to ignore these requirements when opening new Podiatry clinics, and simply go into shops without seeking consent from the local council. This is a most dangerous thing to do, because all it would take is one complaint to the local council compliance unit (e.g. from a competitor), and they will come around and force you to lodge a development application. If you cannot meet the above development requirements for council consent, you would be kicked out of the building.

Another issue that arises when operating in non-approved premises, is the issue of public liability insurance. If you are operating illegally in council non-approved premises, and should the unexpected/unfortunate happen and a patient injure themselves in your clinic, there may potentially be an issue with the insurance company indemnifying you.

Councils are nowadays very strict with compliance. Please be aware of this before you buy your new shop or sign a lease agreement.

Give Great Lakes Council a ring and ask to speak with Steve Andrews, the Development Assessment Planner. A great guy, and will confirm the above for you in detail.

Best wishes.

 

Hi. Just a few words. In my experience being your own land lord in the best option, even taking into account the bank interest verse cash flow argument. Seek professional advice of a person who is knowledgeable in property investment, the formation of legal entity in regard to safeguarding you against litigation and unnecessary tax and of course ...LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION : I said that three times because it is VERY important. Have a friendly chat to the local council and see if you can find out what their 10 to 20 year plans are, they may be able to give you a rough idea as to where to set up in view of maximising your capital gain. I hope this helps, Stefan

 

Hello Esher,
I read something recently ( one of the Pod Mags?) that the minimum room size was 3.5m x 3.5m , which I had never seen specified before.
Individual councils probably have specific requirements.
It might be worth hiring a consultant to discuss what you want, especially if they regularly submit D.A.'s.
I paid about $1000 to have plans drawn up & a submission prepared to go to council ( but didn't purchase the property). I was a bit annoyed with the consultant because he set up the floor plan to suit himself, not what I specified. In the end the zoning was going to be an issue, it is easier in our Shire to get permission in a residential area for a Home Based business.
If you are using the premises strictly for business you will need to meet a lot more regulations.
Are there any local Health Professionals who have recently set up that you could talk to?
You need council permission if you are going to add/ remove internal walls, as far as I know.
If you have the time, you can probably read the requirements on the council website & talk to the relevant staff member.
Cheers,
Kara.