Media Release
Date: 17 April 2013
New Intensive Care Unit Blessed And Ready for Move
Waikato Hospital’s new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was blessed this morning (Wednesday 17 April) in preparation for its big move from level three of Menzies Building in four weeks time.
The new ICU is located alongside the High Dependency Unit (HDU) in the Meade Clinical Centre. The upcoming move will complete the $12 million redevelopment of both units as Critical Care.
“We are very blessed to have such a wonderful new facility. I know it will allow us to provide the high level of care
that our patients need. At the end of the day, that’s what we are here for,” said clinical director Robert Frengley.
The $300,000 worth of new equipment is one of the facility’s finest features.
At each bedside hangs an ‘Information Services (IS) to bedside’ system comprising of two pendants supplying medical
gases and power outlets, and two monitors.
“Having two pendants and two monitors improves service to both sides of the patient. The second monitor allows nurses to
key-in notes immediately without having to leave the patient’s bedside,” equipment manager Daniel McKay said.
There is also significantly more space in the new unit to enhance patient transfer and patient privacy.
“Patients will be moved from one bed to another, so wider corridors were essential,” building programme project director
Ian Wolstencroft said.
“Natural light comes into the unit by way of an atrium and beds are strategically positioned to benefit from this,” he
said.
Kaumatua and staff sing at the blessing ceremony
Chief operating officer Jan Adams thanked Ian Wolstencroft and the building team, project manager Lynette Jones, nurse
manager Colleen Hartley, and Dr Frengley and his team for their tireless work.
“If you’ve ever visited ICU you realise that patients need these facilities and this kind of care. This will be a
healing and a supportive environment for patients and families,” she said.
The Intensive Care Unit provides observation, care and treatment for patients of all ages with life threatening
illnesses and injuries from which recovery is possible.
It currently provides care for approximately 420 cardiac cases per year, 220 paediatric cases per year, and 550 general
adult cases per year.
Follow the link to hear what chief operating officer Jan Adams and building programme has to say about the new ICU.
Visit the photo library for more photos of the blessing.
Check out our media releases on www.waikatodhb.health.nz/news
ENDS