New Sleep Disorders space the stuff of dreams
While many of us look forward to an extra hour of sleep when the clocks “fall back” this weekend, others will struggle to get any sleep at all.
Shah Rukh and Chris Hilliam know this all too well. The polysomnographic technologists (aka: sleep lab techs) have spent many a night – all night – monitoring UBC Hospital (UBCH) Sleep Disorders patients during sleep studies. They’ve witnessed patient struggles and victories.
“I’ve seen patients go from being unhappy, irritated and sleep-deprived to feeling optimistic, motivated and engaged with life one month later,” says Shah. “We see it; their spouses see it. It’s profoundly rewarding.”
This winter, construction on a new Sleep Disorders Clinic & Lab on the UBCH campus will begin. Funded by our VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, the new space will combine beauty and function to benefit more patients and all who work there.
Uniting the clinic and lab
Aside from minor upgrades, the Sleep Disorders Program has been operating in essentially the same space for many years – actually, make that two spaces. The clinic and lab are currently separated by three floors in Koerner Pavilion.
After months of collaboration involving staff and patient input, the design is complete for a united clinic and lab space on the ground floor of Purdy Pavilion. “Co-location is really important to us,” says Dr. Maureen Ceresney, program co-director. “It will allow for more collaboration and knowledge-sharing.”
Exam rooms will convert to comfortable sleep rooms using finishes, fabrics and colours designed to create a serene environment.
Chris agrees. “We’re positioning ourselves for more and even better communication between the ‘techs’ and physicians, which will benefit patient care and safety,” says the lab’s chief polysomnographic technologist.
The new space will also have three side-by-side tech stations, whereas today there are only two and they’re physically isolated from each other. That can make for a very long night, says Shah.
“Working together means techs can better support each other and the patients they’re monitoring through the night.”
Custom designed for flexibility and growth
More than a consolidation, the program will grow from six to nine beds. Exam rooms will have a dual purpose and convert to comfortable sleep rooms with the privacy and upgraded soundproofing and ventilation to support sleep studies.
“The space is very innovatively designed and has the ability to shift from a hospital clinic during the day to a warm, non-clinical atmosphere as a sleep lab during the night,” says Tracey Taulu, operations director of UBCH.
Custom designed for flexibility and growth, the modern and nature-inspired space will also open new options for service expansion.
“We’re exploring how we can serve more people more efficiently,” says Dr. Ceresney. Group therapies for insomnia patients, Telehealth for out-of-town patients and more day and home sleep studies for shift workers are just some of the solutions in the works.
“It’s really exciting to see it all take shape into what will be a beautiful, serene and more welcoming space for patients. The sky’s the limit as to what we can achieve.”
Learn more
The future of sleep medicine begins here
UBCH Renewal Project Bulletin – October 2016
Maureen Ceresney
Gwen, we are happy to share our patient information booklet on healthy sleep habits, which I believe should be still downloadable from our website, entitled “Help Yourself to A Good Night’s Sleep”. I think this might be what you are looking for in terms of helping out with your patients with insomnia?
There are a number of good self-help books on insomnia for any of your patients wanting a more in-depth read, such as “Quiet Your Mind and Get To Sleep” (by Manber and Carney) or “No More Sleepless Nights”, both of which are likely to be available through your local public library as well as from bookstores.
Janice Rotinsky
Hi Gwen,
We have recently updated our web page with all the up to date informaton you require to make a referral to the program: http://www.vch.ca/your-health/health-topics/sleep-disorders/
In terms of information about insomnia, what are you looking for?
Gwen Bevan
Very excited about the new sleep clinic. I would love some information about how to refer folks to this program and any articles you have available for those with insomnia. I come across a lot of people with sleep difficulty and would love to pass along any information you have.
Mary Ackenhusen, CEO
What a great profile of a service that doesn’t usually get much attention – but as the article highlights, can be so important to happiness and wellbeing.
Thank you Stan, Chris and team.
Penny Lang
Those sleep patients will be in good hands!