Short Stay Pediatric Unit construction begins

Work is scheduled to begin tomorrow, February 13, on Richmond Hospital’s new Short Stay Pediatric (SSP) Unit, located in the red zone, adjacent to the Emergency Department.

Part of Bedmap Redesign, the new SSP will provide timely access to care and optimum use of resources at the right time, right location by the right provider.

Construction impacts

The construction period will last approximately 6 to 8 weeks.  Here’s timeline of work over the following few days:

• February 12 – Starting at 0700h, the existing DTU will close and patients will move into their new location in the Rapid Access Zone (RAZ).  The new DTU will become a 4-bed unit (instead of a 5-bed unit) and IMITS has been notified of the change.
• February 12 – We will move the desk (for storage in room 3055) and store all other items (stretchers, over bed tables, etc.) in the equipment depot and designated areas in the ED.  The phones and fax machine will be moved for safe storage for reinstallation once construction is completed
• February 13 – Hoarding will be put up for the construction of the new SSP, including the waiting area and the public washroom across from the surgical day care.

Please note: the public washroom located across from Surgical Day Care will no longer be available for use post-construction and the patient/family waiting area will be reduced in size.

Who will the new SSP care for?

The unit will provide care to pediatrics patients only, and admission to the area will be through the pediatrician or surgeon and the emergency physician.  Expected length of stay in the new unit will likely range from less than 24-hours up to one week.

When space is available, pediatric patients who are being treated in Emergency may be cared for by the pediatric nurse and emergency physician in SSP unit.

Providing high quality pediatric care

Our new SSP will provide care to our youngest patients that align with pediatric best practice and promotes positive outcomes.

Along with the structural renovations, equipment and furnishings for this new unit will be purchased by the Richmond Hospital Foundation to provide care for children and their families. This will create a more welcoming and safe environment for our youngest patients and their families.