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The new Critical Care Unit at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital is due to open later than planned but on budget.
Phase One of the Hospital Modernisation Programme was set to be finished by the end of Autumn, although it is now expected to open to patients from early next year.
Despite the construction of Phase 1 being in its final stages there’s still plenty of work to take place before patients can make use of the new facilities.
Once that building work is done, teams will be busy with some essential specialist work, including Clinical Cleaning, and the appropriate testing of the new unit, to ensure it’s fully equipped and defect free.
The States say the delay is unfortunate, but that the alternative, in rushing the opening of the Unit, would present a clinical risk to patients.
Pictured: Deputy Al Brouard at the new Critical Care Unit.
The whole point of the new Critical Care Unit is to increase surgical capacity locally, and help manage the ever-increasing demand, something that’s been a talking point in Guernsey for a number of years now. When it opens it will have eight beds, although that will eventually grow to 12. It will also help provide a new Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit, providing seven more beds for those waiting off the effects.
As with all developments in the medical field for the past four years, COVID and other infectious diseases have been at the heart of the design.
Specialised air filtration systems scrub the oxygen to reduce the chance of airborne infections and numerous adjustments can be made to the layout in the event of another large scale pandemic.
These were some of the features that most excited John Eaton, the Lead Nurse for Inpatient Wards and Critical Care, and someone who has been involved with the modernisation project since it was first given the green light.
Mr Eaton focussed heavily on the design’s take on mental health and wellbeing for both staff, patients and family members.
The colours decorating the walls are reminiscent of the warm greens and cool blues you’ll often find in natural environments. A focus on natural lighting in each room, to help reduce the depressive feelings that often hitch along on a lengthy hospital stay, plus a courtyard which allows Critical Care patients to spend time with loved ones outside, and a special staff zone, allowing Nurses, doctors and other medical staff the chance to also get a healthy dose of Vitamin D throughout their working day.
There are also spaces set aside for visiting family members, including a separate access route away from the theatres.
Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health and Social Care is confident they’ve made the right choice, in not sticking to the planned timeline.
“While any delay is difficult, it is in the best interests of patients and the community as a whole for us to ensure we get it right rather than rush to meet a self-imposed deadline," he said.
Deputy Brouard added that the real world benefits of the modernisation is apparent, even before it’s welcomed a single patient.
“The project itself is very exciting. The work that has been done already clearly shows how significant of an upgrade the completion of Phase 1 will be, giving our staff modern facilities to care for our patients. We are already reaping rewards in other ways too; for example, in staff recruitment and retention, as we have attracted the necessary staff to open this unit in early 2025 on completion.”
The project is being tackled by contractor Rihoy & Son; Chairman, Gavin Rihoy, said the work has been a challenge, but a privilege.
“A major capital project of this nature within a clinical environment is extremely complex; delivering it in and around a working hospital has been a huge challenge. It’s a privilege to have been involved in a project that will save many lives in years to come. This facility is something the island should be proud of. We look forward to handing over the keys to HSC to allow them to begin their final preparatory works.”
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