Tessa Quinn
Building a hospital in *Oxygen Not Included* is a critical aspect of maintaining the health and productivity of your duplicants, especially as your colony grows and faces more complex challenges. A well-designed hospital not only treats illnesses and injuries but also prevents outbreaks of diseases like Food Poisoning or Slimelung. To construct an effective hospital, you’ll need to prioritize key elements such as a dedicated medical station, clean water access, and proper ventilation to prevent contamination. Additionally, isolating sick duplicants in a separate area and ensuring your medical dupes have the necessary skills and resources are essential steps. Balancing these requirements with the overall layout of your base will ensure your hospital functions efficiently, keeping your colony thriving in the harsh environment of the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Build in a clean, well-ventilated area away from contaminants like Polluted Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, or Disease Germs. |
| Temperature | Maintain between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) to prevent stress from heat or cold. |
| Lighting | Provide at least 12 lux of light to keep Duplicants comfortable. |
| Decor | Use high-decor items (e.g., Fine Art, Sculptures) to reduce stress and improve recovery rates. Aim for at least +10 decor. |
| Beds | Use Medical Cots or Hospital Beds. Each bed requires a Duplicant with the Doctor skill to operate. |
| Staffing | Assign at least one Duplicant with the Doctor skill to treat patients. More doctors reduce treatment time. |
| Medicine | Ensure a steady supply of Medicine (produced by Apothecary stations) for treatment. |
| Cleanliness | Keep the area clean to prevent disease spread. Use Bleach Stone or Disinfectant to sanitize surfaces. |
| Accessibility | Ensure the hospital is easily accessible for injured Duplicants. Use pathways and avoid obstacles. |
| Disease Prevention | Isolate sick Duplicants in a separate area to prevent disease spread. Use decontamination chambers if necessary. |
| Stress Relief | Include recreational areas nearby (e.g., Mess Hall, Gym) to reduce stress and improve recovery. |
| Power & Resources | Ensure the hospital has reliable power and access to water, oxygen, and food for Duplicants. |
| Size | Build a hospital proportional to your colony size. Start with 2-3 beds and expand as needed. |
| Automation | Use automation (e.g., Conveyor Belts, Storage Bins) to manage medicine and supplies efficiently. |
| Research | Unlock advanced medical technologies (e.g., Hospital Beds, Advanced Medicine) via the Research Tree. |
| Monitoring | Regularly check Duplicants' health via the Health Tab and address issues promptly. |
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What You'll Learn
- Site Selection: Choose a flat, accessible area near resources, ensuring proper ventilation and space for expansion
- Foundation Planning: Build a stable base with Abyssalite or Granite to prevent heat and structural issues
- Power Setup: Integrate renewable energy sources like Hydrogen Generators or Solar Panels for sustainable operation
- Medical Facilities: Construct Sick Bays, Medicine Stations, and proper storage for patient care and treatment
- Staff Management: Assign skilled Duplicants for medical roles, ensuring they have rest and recreation areas
Site Selection: Choose a flat, accessible area near resources, ensuring proper ventilation and space for expansion
Flat terrain is non-negotiable for hospital construction in *Oxygen Not Included*. Sloped or uneven ground complicates foundation stability, increases material waste, and disrupts efficient room layouts. Duplicants waste precious cycles navigating uneven terrain, delaying patient care and resource delivery. Prioritize areas with minimal elevation changes, even if it means sacrificing proximity to a single resource vein. A 10-tile radius of flat land is ideal, allowing for future expansion without encountering geological obstacles.
Accessibility isn’t just about convenience—it’s about survival. Locate your hospital within 20 tiles of your main base to minimize travel time for injured Duplicants and resource deliveries. However, avoid placing it directly adjacent to high-traffic areas or noisy machinery. A well-placed buffer zone of 5-10 tiles reduces stress and prevents cross-contamination from industrial byproducts. Remember, accessibility also means clear pathways for emergency evacuations; avoid dead-ends or cramped corridors that could trap Duplicants during a crisis.
Resource proximity is a double-edged sword. Build near water and food sources to sustain your medical staff, but avoid areas prone to contamination. A single polluted water source can cripple your hospital faster than any disease. Maintain a 15-tile buffer from polluted oxygen or water vents, and always construct your hospital uphill from potential contaminants to prevent accidental flooding. Integrate resource extraction into your hospital design where possible—a carefully placed algae deoxidizer or water sieve can double as a utility room, saving space and materials.
Ventilation is the silent hero of hospital design. Allocate at least 20% of your hospital’s floor plan to open spaces or dedicated ventilation shafts. Use automated doors and airlocks to regulate airflow without wasting power. Position intake vents on the windward side of your base, leveraging natural air currents to reduce filter usage. Remember, proper ventilation isn’t just about oxygen levels—it’s about preventing disease spread. A single germ-filled tile can decimate your population if airflow isn’t managed meticulously.
Expansion is inevitable, so plan for it from day one. Leave a 20x20 tile area surrounding your initial hospital structure for future additions like isolation wards, research labs, or staff quarters. Avoid building walls or infrastructure that would require demolition later. Modular designs, such as 5x5 tile rooms connected by wide hallways, allow for seamless additions without disrupting daily operations. Think of your hospital as a living organism—it must grow to adapt, but only if you’ve left it room to breathe.
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Foundation Planning: Build a stable base with Abyssalite or Granite to prevent heat and structural issues
In the unforgiving environment of *Oxygen Not Included*, a hospital’s foundation is its lifeline. Abyssalite and Granite are your best allies here, offering thermal stability and structural integrity that lesser materials can’t match. Abyssalite, with its near-absolute insulation, prevents heat transfer from geothermal vents or nearby machinery, ensuring your medical bays remain at a safe temperature. Granite, while slightly less insulating, provides unmatched durability against pressure and erosion, making it ideal for deeper bases or areas prone to seismic activity. Choose wisely—your dupes’ health depends on it.
Consider the layout before placing a single tile. Start by clearing a flat, spacious area, ideally away from volatile biomes like the Oil or Magma Biomes. Use the "Build" tool to outline a 10x10 or larger foundation, depending on your hospital’s scale. Lay Abyssalite tiles for the entire base if heat management is critical; otherwise, reserve Abyssalite for walls and floors directly adjacent to heat sources, using Granite for the remainder to save resources. Always check the thermal overlay to identify potential hotspots before they become disasters.
A common mistake is underestimating the impact of vertical stability. If your hospital spans multiple levels, ensure each layer’s foundation is reinforced with Granite pillars spaced no more than 5 tiles apart. This prevents structural collapse under the weight of upper floors or accidental digging from below. For added safety, insulate the underside of elevated floors with Abyssalite to block heat from rising through the base. Remember: a single crack can compromise the entire structure, so build redundantly.
Finally, integrate utility planning into your foundation design. Run power and water lines along the edges of your base, using Abyssalite or Granite walls to insulate pipes and wires from environmental damage. Leave buffer zones between critical systems and the foundation to allow for repairs without destabilizing the structure. By treating the foundation as both a physical and logistical anchor, you’ll create a hospital that thrives, not just survives, in the harsh conditions of your colony.
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Power Setup: Integrate renewable energy sources like Hydrogen Generators or Solar Panels for sustainable operation
In *Oxygen Not Included*, a hospital’s power demands are relentless, with medical stations, lights, and life support systems draining energy around the clock. To ensure uninterrupted operation, integrating renewable energy sources like Hydrogen Generators and Solar Panels is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. These systems provide a sustainable, long-term solution that reduces reliance on finite resources like Coal or Petroleum, which can deplete and leave your colony vulnerable.
Step 1: Assess Energy Needs and Location
Before deploying renewable energy, calculate your hospital’s baseline power consumption. A single Medical Station consumes 480W, and additional equipment like Research Stations or Lights will add to this load. Place Solar Panels on the surface, where they can harness abundant sunlight, but ensure they’re positioned away from polluted oxygen or other hazards. For Hydrogen Generators, locate them near water sources and ensure proper cooling to prevent overheating.
Step 2: Combine Hydrogen Generators for Reliability
Hydrogen Generators are a powerhouse for hospitals, producing 1600W of electricity while consuming water and polluted water. Pair them with Electrolyzers to recycle polluted water into hydrogen, creating a closed-loop system. Place at least 3-4 generators to meet peak demand, and use automation (via Smart Batteries and Logic Gates) to activate them only when needed, conserving resources during low-usage periods.
Step 3: Supplement with Solar Panels for Daytime Efficiency
Solar Panels generate 400W during the day, making them an excellent complement to Hydrogen Generators. Install them in clusters on the surface, angled toward the sun for maximum efficiency. While they’re inactive at night, their zero-maintenance operation and infinite resource (sunlight) make them a low-risk, high-reward addition. Use Battery Banks to store excess daytime energy for nighttime use.
Caution: Avoid Over-Reliance on a Single Source
While renewable energy is sustainable, it’s not infallible. Solar Panels fail at night, and Hydrogen Generators require constant water input. Always maintain a backup power source, such as a Coal Generator, to prevent blackouts during emergencies. Additionally, monitor water usage carefully, as Hydrogen Generators can deplete reserves if left unchecked.
Integrating Hydrogen Generators and Solar Panels into your hospital’s power setup creates a resilient, eco-friendly system. By combining their strengths—the steady output of hydrogen and the zero-maintenance efficiency of solar—you can ensure your hospital operates sustainably, even in the harshest environments of *Oxygen Not Included*. Plan carefully, automate wisely, and your dupes will thrive under the glow of renewable energy.
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Medical Facilities: Construct Sick Bays, Medicine Stations, and proper storage for patient care and treatment
In *Oxygen Not Included*, a well-designed hospital is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your duplicants. The cornerstone of any medical facility lies in its specialized rooms: Sick Bays, Medicine Stations, and storage areas. Sick Bays serve as recovery zones where ill duplicants can rest and heal, while Medicine Stations are where treatments are crafted. Proper storage ensures that medical supplies remain organized and accessible, preventing contamination and spoilage. Without these elements, diseases can spread unchecked, leading to colony-wide disasters.
To construct a Sick Bay, designate a 5x5 or larger room with at least two beds and a toilet. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and maintained at a comfortable temperature (20–25°C) to promote healing. Place a Medicine Station nearby, equipped with a Research Station and a Duplicant with medical skills to produce treatments like Disinfectant or Medicine I. Use tiles or partitions to separate the Sick Bay from high-traffic areas, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Remember, Sick Bays should be reserved exclusively for ill duplicants to prevent healthy ones from occupying beds unnecessarily.
Storage is often overlooked but critical for medical efficiency. Designate a cool, dry area (below 20°C) to store medicines, herbs, and disinfectants, as these items degrade over time. Use compactors or storage bins to organize supplies, ensuring easy access for medical staff. Place a refrigerator near the Medicine Station to preserve perishable ingredients like Pincha Peppercorns or Bristle Blossoms, which are essential for advanced treatments. Label storage areas clearly to avoid confusion and ensure duplicants can quickly retrieve what they need during emergencies.
A persuasive argument for prioritizing medical facilities is their role in minimizing downtime. Duplicants who receive prompt treatment return to work faster, maintaining colony productivity. Compare this to a colony without proper medical care, where illnesses can cripple your workforce for cycles. By investing in Sick Bays, Medicine Stations, and storage, you not only save lives but also safeguard your colony’s long-term success. Think of it as an insurance policy—a small upfront cost for significant future benefits.
Finally, a descriptive example illustrates the importance of these facilities. Imagine a duplicant contracts Food Poisoning, a common ailment in poorly managed colonies. Without a Sick Bay, they’ll wander aimlessly, spreading germs and risking dehydration. With a designated recovery area, they rest, receive treatment from a nearby Medicine Station, and recover within a cycle. Proper storage ensures the disinfectant used to clean their area doesn’t spoil, preventing further outbreaks. This scenario highlights how each component—Sick Bay, Medicine Station, and storage—works in harmony to protect your colony’s health.
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Staff Management: Assign skilled Duplicants for medical roles, ensuring they have rest and recreation areas
In Oxygen Not Included, a well-staffed hospital hinges on strategic Duplicant assignment. Medical roles demand specific skills: doctors require high learning and medicine attributes, while nurses thrive with decent learning and stress resistance. Don’t fall into the trap of assigning your top researchers to medical duties; their brilliance is better spent advancing your colony’s technology. Instead, identify Duplicants with natural aptitudes for caregiving and invest in their medical training through the skill panel.
Beyond skill allocation, remember: Duplicants are not machines. Overworked medics succumb to stress, leading to decreased efficiency and potential breakdowns. Dedicate a separate, well-ventilated area adjacent to your hospital for rest and recreation. Include comfortable beds, a mess hall with nutritious meals, and recreational objects like a chess table or a massage table. Schedule regular breaks, ensuring each medic enjoys at least 6 hours of uninterrupted rest per cycle.
A stressed medic is a liability, potentially botching treatments and spreading germs.
Consider a tiered system for your medical staff. Assign your most skilled doctors to critical care units, handling complex surgeries and advanced treatments. Nurses can manage routine check-ups, administer vaccinations, and monitor patient recovery. This division of labor maximizes efficiency and prevents burnout. Remember, a well-rested and specialized medical team is your best defense against disease outbreaks and injuries.
Think of your hospital as a living organism, where each Duplicant plays a vital role in its health and functionality.
Finally, don't underestimate the power of morale. Happy Duplicants work harder and more efficiently. Decorate your rest area with artwork, plants, and comfortable furniture. Provide access to entertainment like a television or a jukebox. A content medical team translates to faster patient recovery times and a healthier colony overall. By prioritizing both skill allocation and Duplicant well-being, you'll build a hospital that's not just functional, but thriving.
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Frequently asked questions
To build a hospital, you’ll need Research Points to unlock the Medical Station, Plastic for construction, and Power to operate the station. Additionally, ensure you have Duplicants with medical skills assigned to the station and a stable supply of Oxygen and Food to keep them healthy.
Build a Medical Station and assign Duplicants with the Doctor skill via the Priorities tab. Ensure they have access to the station and are not overburdened with other tasks. Proper scheduling and stress management are crucial for efficient hospital operations.
Place Disinfectant Stations near the hospital and ensure Duplicants wash their hands regularly. Isolate sick Duplicants using Medical Cots and restrict their movement to prevent contamination. Maintain clean surroundings and monitor stress levels to reduce disease outbreaks.
