Burwood Hospital’s Surgical Unit Popular

Burwood Hospital’s Surgical Services Unit Popular With Patients

Almost 500 people have undergone orthopaedic surgery at Burwood Hospital’s $21.5 million Surgical Services Unit since it opened three months ago.

By the beginning of this month, a total of 211 people had undergone joint replacements while 253 had had other orthopaedic operations.

At the Registered Master Builders Awards last week, the state-of-the-art building won the Supreme Award for Canterbury Commercial Project of the Year, beating seven other projects. It also won the Health category and will progress to the national finals, to be held in Auckland in October.

Vince Barry, the Canterbury District Health Board’s General Manager responsible for Burwood Hospital, says he is delighted with the number of patients who have already received their orthopaedic operations in the new unit. “It goes to show what can be done when capacity is increased. This is a real example of improved efficiency and the dedication of our staff.”

The unit consists of four operating theatres, which are used predominately for elective orthopaedic surgery. Until now, most operations have been carried out in three operating theatres but recruitment is underway for staff for the fourth operating theatre to ensure it is running at capacity by the end of the year.

With its four new theatres, the hospital will increase the number of operations it performs. Major joints, for example, will increase from 550 a year to 1100 in 2007/8 and it is expected around 3000 operations in total (both major joints and other procedures) will be carried out within the unit’s first year.

Operations Manager Carolyn Cooper says many patients have commented on the design and layout of the new building, which ensures they can stay under one roof and on one floor during their time in the unit. “The new building has achieved the balance between a good quality of care and a nice environment for patients.”

The building’s design ensures patients have a smooth transition from admission through to the operating theatre and on to the recovery area and surgical ward. Previously, patients were wheeled along a public corridor and via a lift to get from theatre to the ward. The 42-bed post surgery ward also includes a 12-bed special care area, which is the first of its kind in New Zealand.

The design of the unit, by Christchurch architects Sheppard & Rout and Auckland-based Klein Architects, incorporates bold colours, glass and welcoming gardens, which are accessible from most ward bedrooms.

ENDS

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