The dedicated staff of the RHH are now gearing up to begin the move of women and children’s services into K-Block this week.
On Wednesday, 20 May 2020, K-Block’s two paediatric inpatient wards on Level 6 will be the first to open.
On Level 6 East (K6E) there will be the 30-bed children’s unit for babies and children and for the first time, the RHH will have a dedicated unit for young people on Level 6 West (K6W).
The 19-bed adolescent unit includes two safe rooms designed to support the care and management of young people with challenging behaviours. This incorporates access to their own recreation space and outdoor courtyard and has an adjacent observation desk for nursing staff.
The children and adolescent wards typically treat young people for cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, eating disorders, surgical conditions and trauma.
They have been designed to include an inpatient school, a play area and secure outdoor gardens.
With the generous assistance of Give Me 5 For Kids, Level 6 has an interior design that is friendly, fun and calming.
It will help children enjoy their stay at a time which can otherwise by a stressful, frightening and lonely experience.
The wards have an Antarctic-theme recognising Hobart’s pivotal role as Australia’s gateway to Antarctica and Southern Oceans.
An Antarctic voyage map etched into the foyer’s walls will immediately set the ward apart as a destination and provide a parallel for the patient journey as an adventure.
A soothing installation will light the public lobby with back-lit Perspex fins in the colours of the Aurora Australis (southern lights).
The foyer design features will complement custom designed bedheads featuring Antarctic images and themed outside terraces.
Hospitals around the world recognise the critical role of art and design in alleviating stress often associated with inpatient treatment.
K6W also includes a new Transition to Home Unit (T2HU).
T2HU is available to a baby or child admitted to the RHH who no longer need an acute care bed but who would benefit from additional support before they go home.
These babies and children will be cared for by their mother/parents/carers in home-like surroundings with the support of their multidisciplinary team until discharge.
We are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation daily and will remain flexible in the use of health facilities to best meet the health needs of Tasmanians.
The sequence and opening of more wards and services over coming weeks will continue to be reviewed in light of Tasmania’s COVID-19 preparedness.
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.
Wednesday, 13 May 2020 general and respiratory medicine moved to K10W.
Thursday, 14 May 2020 neurosurgery moved to K8W.
Monday, 18 May 2020 allied health therapy opens on K2E.
20 May 2020