On Wednesday, 13 May 2020, the general medicine unit moves to K-Block Level 10 West (K10W) to be part of the 64-bed general and respiratory medicine precinct on Level 10.

K10W has been designed for respiratory care and includes a dedicated, three-bed, non-invasive ventilation room used for acute respiratory failure and four negative pressure isolation rooms.

On Thursday, 14 May 2020, the 24-bed neurosurgery unit moves to K-Block Level 8 West (K8W).

K8W includes a six-bed high dependency unit and staff observation area, two negative pressure isolation rooms and two dedicated rooms for patients with post-traumatic amnesia.

This week, surgical and perioperative staff also began moving into Levels 4 and 5 (K4 and K5) to allow for staged works that will create the Royal Hobart Hospital’s new operating theatre precinct.

On Monday, 18 May 2020, the allied therapy area and the staff lounge opens in K-Block Level 2 East (K2E).

Allied health services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology are important to improving patient movement and function so they are ready for discharge home.

The large allied health therapy area on K2E includes a gym and a bathroom and kitchen for daily living assessments.

A lounge has also been provided so staff can take scheduled breaks away from their ward without leaving
K-Block. The lounge includes a kitchen and dining area, amenities and meeting rooms.

Recap on moves into K-Block:

Monday, 20 April 2020, RHH Reception opened on KG.

Tuesday, 21 April 2020, patient admissions and the transit lounge opened on KG.

Thursday, 23 April 2020, general and respiratory medicine opened on K10E.

Tuesday, 28 April 2020 general and vascular surgery opened on K9W.

Monday, 4 May 2020, the department of diving and hyperbaric medicine opened on K3E.

Wednesday, 6 May 2020, the helipad was commissioned.

Thursday, 7 May 2020 orthopaedics and surgical specialties moved to K9E.

Background:

K-Block has been constructed to ensure connections with key floors in the ageing campus – ground floor for patient access and Level 4 to provide a comprehensive operation theatres precinct.

Construction works required to connect the main entrance to the K-Block and to create the Level 4 operating theatres precinct are complex and to minimise disruption needed to be scheduled after K-Block had been completed.

15 May 2020