Standards play an important role in supporting health care delivery. By outlining requirements and best practices for performance and process, standards can help patients, staff, and visitors avoid injury from medical devices or contracting health care-associated infections. Based on evidence-informed design and practices, standards can also help build health care facilities that last longer, operate more efficiently, and serve their users better. CSA Z8000 provides requirements and guidance for the planning, design, and construction of Canadian health care facilities (HCFs).

On February 22, 2023, CSA Group hosted a workshop to gather input from experts around Canada to explore how CSA Z8000 can support the design of HCFs in Northern, small, and remote areas in Canada. The workshop consisted of panel discussions, presentations, facilitated discussions and breakout rooms, all with the purpose of better understanding the realities of health care service provision in Northern, small, and remote HCFs and how CSA Z8000 can better address the challenges that are present. It was agreed that the ultimate goal is to provide the same level of care in every Canadian HCF, regardless of size or location. All feedback from the workshop will be considered in the development of the new edition of CSA Z8000.