Staff at PAH’s Neurosciences and Respiratory Wards unveiled the newly renovated 2D.1 conference room and balcony in a combined grand opening event this week.
Shared by two of PAH’s busiest wards, room 2D.1 is used for everything from meetings with patients’ families to educational conferences and staff breaks.
Upgrades inside include fresh carpeting, modular conference tables, as well as fresh blue couches and chairs to brighten the room; while new stools and tables decorate the adjoining balcony where staff are enjoying lunch breaks with a view.
Ward 2C Associate NUM Ciara McCann says the idea, which she first raised during a WH&S meeting in late 2022, came about when she noticed the layout wasn’t adaptable and didn’t work for group meetings.
“This is the room we use for family meetings to deliver bad news, for education, and also for multidisciplinary team meetings with doctors and allied health,” she said. “It was also hard to communicate in group meetings and see everyone in the room with the layout we had, so we needed to make it more functional.”
The WH&S team played an essential role in the drafting the modular layout for a functional and ergonomic space, while Ciara and 2C ASO Zara Kerry (pictured) worked together on furniture options using a light and bright colour palette.
“We focused on pieces that would last and opted for light colours that would make the room feel a lot bigger.”
With a twelve-year PAH tenure under her belt, Ciara was pleased to lead the initiative and give back to the people who make her job special.
“The best thing about my job is the people that I work with. That's probably why I've stayed here for 12 years - because of the people. Every day is different here, and the patients are always interesting.
“These renovations mean we can have more cohesive discussions about quality improvements, making sure that we are communicating changes, and making sure our staff are well educated,” she said.
The renewed space was met with a positive reception all round, with nurses, doctors and allied health professionals across the wards complimenting the upgrades.
“The balcony is really nice for our staff breaks. Once the doors are shut, you can’t hear anything, so it’s a nice place to actually have a break and get some fresh air, especially when you’re on a long shift.”
Staff from across 2C and 2D gathered in the new room to celebrate the reopening on 19 September.