A hospital emergency room averages 50 patients per shift. A shift is 8 hours long, and the

Question:

A hospital emergency room averages 50 patients per shift. A shift is 8 hours long, and the average patient requires 20 minutes in the exam room.
a. How many exam rooms should the hospital have if it wishes to maintain a 30 percent capacity cushion?
b. Discuss whether you think a 30 percent capacity cushion is appropriate for a hospital emergency room. What factors would you consider when setting this cushion?