Patients, staff and medical staff played an important part in shaping the new, larger Emergency Department at Royal Columbian Hospital.
Set to open early next year, the enhanced Emergency Department at the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower will have 75 treatment spaces thoughtfully designed with patients and families in mind.
At the heart of this project’s success is a strong spirit of collaboration.
"There has been so much input from the people who are going to work in the department," says Clinical Operations Project Leader Kirsten Fuller. "Every time we walk them through, they smile and say, 'I did that. I gave that input.'"
From the beginning, the project team worked closely with patient partners, staff and medical staff to ensure the design reflects the needs of both patients and care providers. Their contributions helped shape patient care areas and the work environment for health care teams.
The new Emergency Department features enhancements that promote comfort, safety and confidentiality, such as separate exam treatment rooms with doors. Most rooms have overhead ceiling lifts that will support more efficient and safer patient transfers. The expanded triage area has a bright and welcoming waiting space with large windows that will fill the room with natural light, creating a calming environment for patients and visitors.
One of the most exciting additions is the satellite medical imaging unit located inside the Emergency Department. With an ultrasound room, x-ray rooms and a CT scanner nearby, emergency physicians will be able to assess and treat patients more quickly, saving valuable time when it matters most.
The Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment project is a multi-phase project that will increase the hospital’s capacity, introduce advanced medical technologies and improve the health care environment for patients, staff and medical staff.
Video: Watch Kirsten Fuller, project leader, Clinical Operations, give a tour of the new Emergency Department at the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower under construction at Royal Columbian Hospital.
Learn more about the project on our website.
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