To address this projected demand for cancer treatment, the design of the new facility is based on requirements set out within the Medical Brief. In analysing demand against capacity, one notes that by 2020 there will be 78% utilisation of patient bed capacity for the inpatient acute oncology area, this figure is closely in line with the optimal occupancy for calculating inpatient ward capacity of 80%. In all other inpatient, outpatient and day care service areas, however, capacity is expected to be closed to 100% by 2020. In order to mitigate under capacity, it is understood that the MHEC will also be seeking alternative ways to better manage demand by adopting best-practice to reduce the time that patients spend in acute hospitals. In addition, it is assumed that there will be a review of existing policy, at both a political and operational level, in favour of increased community care and supporting hospice infrastructures. One must also consider any advances in technology, as well as for drugs treatment, that may also reduce the demand for inpatient treatment.