A simulation of emergency rooms

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for the planning and staffing of an emergency room in a hospital. The problem is to find the optimal number of service units (stations) and their staffing pattern under regular operating conditions and in a period of peak demand. Presented in a simulation model of a simplified case, which can be extended for more complicated situations. The simulation can facilitate planning, budgeting, decision-making, and managerial control by providing management with information about costs, waiting time of patients and idleness of facilities.