Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Changes to Christchurch Hospital increase beds
Changes to Christchurch Hospital increase number of beds
A new Urology Unit at the Christchurch Hospital campus was officially opened today. The unit is one of the solutions in addressing a shortage of General Medicine beds at Christchurch Hospital.
Twenty five more beds have been made available for General Medicine through the relocation of the Urology ward and changes involving the Nephrology, Cardiology and Gynaecology teams.
Canterbury District Health Board Chief Executive, David Meates praised all the medical teams who worked together to address the shortage of General Medicine beds. “The positive changes in patient flow are already evident.”
The short term solution has involved the relocation of the Urology unit from Ward 14 to a new area between Christchurch and Christchurch Women’s Hospitals; the movement of Cardiology from Ward 26 to Ward 14, close to Nephrology; and Gynaecology having its space on Level 2 of Christchurch Women’s Hospital reduced but gaining five rooms in a new birthing recovery area. The new recovery area, which opens next week, will be above the urology extension. The area where the birthing recovery area was previously located will be renovated within the next four to five weeks, creating five extra beds, primarily for high risk ante natal patients.
As a result General Medicine now has an extra 25 beds located in Ward 26.
“This way of working, - innovative proposals, debate and compromise - is the way of the future. This particular project has not only solved our immediate needs but has also helped to future proof Christchurch Women’s Hospital,” Mr Meates said. “It has led to a greater understanding between medical teams of the pressures, issues and challenges that each of them face.”
A report detailing the shortage of beds for General Medicine patients was written at the end of 2008. This was developed into a proposal called “Project Bed”.
Extra bed capacity was important at Christchurch Hospital to improve patient flow from the
Emergency Department and reduce the number of General Medicine patients being cared for in other wards.
“With winter illness in full swing, the availability of these extra beds is more than welcome,
“Christchurch Hospital Interim General Manager Ruth Barclay said.
ENDS
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
Braden Currie: Sets Sights On The Ironman North American Championships In Texas
Whanganui Regional Museum: Historic Wedding Dress Unveiled, A Piece Of Marton’s Heritage
Donovan Ryan: Local Runner Takes Out Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts