Royal Columbian Hospital teams held a patient transfer day rehearsal to prepare for moving patients into the new Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower.
(Photo) Chief Clinical Planner Ramona Fonseka steps into the role of a patient during a move rehearsal at Royal Columbian Hospital.
Royal Columbian Hospital teams are in the final stages of preparing for the opening of the new Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower, recently holding a patient transfer rehearsal to ensure a safe, smooth move day.
With more than 300 patients expected to relocate into the new tower, meticulous planning is underway behind the scenes. The hospital’s redevelopment team is working closely with Health Care Relocations (HCR), a global leader in hospital moves, to map out every element of the transition. HCR recently supported a successful patient move at Burnaby Hospital earlier this spring.
The rehearsal allowed teams to test and refine each step of the process, from patient transport routes and elevator use to staffing, coordination and communication. Using stopwatches, the teams timed how long it would take to move patients from existing hospital buildings into the new tower, with the aim of ensuring transfers are efficient while prioritizing patient comfort, continued care and safety. Teams also reviewed workflows and discussed improvements based on real-time observations.
Chief Clinical Planner Ramona Fonseka took part in one of the rehearsals by stepping into the role of a patient, giving her a valuable perspective.
“Our priority is to make sure patients are safe and comfortable during the move,” said Fonseka. “The rehearsal helped us test our processes and make sure everyone knows their role on move day so that we can provide patients a good experience.”
Move day itself will involve dozens of teams, including patient transport staff and unit-based clinical teams who will prepare patients for transfer and welcome them to their new units. Nurses, porters, physicians, respiratory therapists, IT, security, volunteers and more, will all play important roles. Team members will wear colour-coded T-shirts so it’s easy to identify everyone’s role and connect with the right person in the moment.
For most team members – and the people we serve – the move will be a once in a lifetime experience that will connect everyone involved and generate a sense of pride.
Clinical Operations Director Genevieve Marier St-Onge said the rehearsal brought together a wide range of staff to think through the details in advance.
“Having all the teams in one place allowed us to problem-solve ahead of time,” said Marier St-Onge. “Instead of having to make decisions on move day, we’ve had the chance to think things through together so we’re well-prepared and patients experience a seamless transition.”
Purpose-built to support comfort, healing and innovation, the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower will soon open with expanded services. Spaces opening this spring include an expanded Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and in-patient units. The tower features leading-edge technology and mostly private rooms with views of the Fraser River or surrounding mountains.
“The new rooms look amazing,” said Marier St-Onge. “They’re bright, modern and designed with patients in mind. I think patients will be really happy when they move into their new space.”
Learn more about the Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment on our website.
