It’s being seen as a ray of sunshine after nearly two years of progressively more difficult days. With the hospital operating at or above capacity on an ongoing basis, QCH has transformed space inside the hospital (known as B2) to build a comfortable, fully-equipped area for 15 bed bays.
Located close to the busy Emergency Department, Diagnostic Imaging Department and Operating Rooms to improve patient flow for fast, efficient, and integrated care, the new patient bed bays are fully equipped with ceiling lifts and a medication room.
QCH has one of the busiest Emergency Departments in the city. Some patients admitted to the hospital have had to wait for hours on a stretcher in the hallway until a bed was available.
“Anyone who has had to be on a stretcher for any longer than a few hours knows all too well that it’s not a private or comfortable place to be, especially when you are not feeling well,” explains QCH Clinical Manager Tammy Hirkala. “To get our patients off the stretcher and into a hospital bed is critical.”
Lianne said the new beds are designed for patients who need to be treated and monitored, but for a shorter period of time, and then be in a position to return home.
“The team definitely feels the pressure when there is someone on a stretcher who is ill and in desperate need of a bed,” Lianne Learmonth, Clinical Director for the Medicine Unit, explains. “This new space is absolutely beautiful with every spare inch used perfectly. It’s inspiring to see what has been accomplished and how important the space is for the hospital and our community.”