Monday 16 March 2015: 18 out of 23 Christchurch Hospital wards closed and relocated for quake repairs Since May 2013 just about every ward in Christchurch Hospital has had to be moved to allow quake repairs, strengthening and upgrades to firewalls to take place. There have been around 520 bed moves (from a total of just over 600 beds) in Christchurch Hospital. Every move is planned with military precision, and it’s a credit to the teams involved for their ability to ensure each move went smoothly, while at the same time ensuring that the safety and quality of care was not compromised. While there were a few hiccups early on, we certainly learnt from our mistakes and developed and refined our systems as we went on. Importantly, patients, while inconvenienced at times, went with the flow, and were very accepting that this was part and parcel of being in hospital in Canterbury. This has been hugely disruptive and is most likely the largest hospital move ever undertaken in New Zealand – shifting around 520 beds (and patients!) from 18 different wards, to temporary locations, then back to their original ward post-construction - all the while, keeping services running - has been nothing short of remarkable. Patients, beds, equipment, monitors, supplies, paperwork and patient belongings, have all been relocated as part of each move to allow the teams of builders and sub-contractors to move in and do their work. Detours, noise, vibrations, dust and a hospital that at times looks more like a construction site has become business as usual for us. With the site works for our new Acute Services Building well underway, high vis vests and hard hats will still be seen around the place for a while yet. Our ‘clear the ward’ approach has meant ‘organised disruption’ and a reduction in potential infection control risks. Thank you to everyone – both patients and staff involved in the mammoth task of closing and moving wards.
Have a natter with Nigel Latta – in Christchurch to see you – Monday 13 April Following last year’s staff wellbeing survey, it became evident that many of you are feeling weary of change, tired, stressed and fed up with ongoing battles with authorities to get your house and insurance issues sorted. That’s on top of the constant changes at work with temporary facilities, office moves, providing health care in a construction zone, and for managers, supporting your teams while you’re also feeling a bit worn out…so one of the things the Staff Wellbeing Action Group has organised, is to bring Nigel Latta to Christchurch to do three free sessions for CDHB staff and those working in the Canterbury Health System. Nigel’s a clinical psychologist and has an entertaining, approachable, and frank style. He will be talking about subjects that matter to us: change, work-life balance, leadership and more. No subject is off limits, so put a ring around Monday 13 April on your calendars, that’s the day Nigel’s in town. We’ll have more details in future CEO updates – including how to register for these free sessions.
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