A 20 bed inpatient Cystic Fibrosis ward and 10 bed Cystic Fibrosis day-ward, provided within the new 120 bed Nutley Wing at St. Vincent's University Hospital, has just been completed.
The lessons we learned from designing the temporary inpatient accommodation for Cystic Fibrosis patients at St. Vincent's University Hospital, and observing it in use, have been informed our the design of the new permanent Nutley Wing. A very simple example includes the provision of additional storage space for personal effects – within the parameters of infection control - as teenage patients in the existing ward have been observed to bring a greater plethora of beauty products, games consoles, laptops, dvds, etc, than is typically anticipated in designing facilities for adult patients!
The provision of 100% en-suite single rooms in this new facility will yield tremendous clinical benefits to immuno-compromised patients, and provide greater dignity and privacy for patients and visiting family and friends. The rooms are also sufficiently large to accommodate relatives who may wish to stay with the young patient overnight.
The design of new facilities acknowledges the increasing role of information technology in all aspects of hospital care. For most adolescents and young adults, smart-phones and social networking are a key element of their daily lives. Wherever feasible, wi-fi access in bedrooms and common areas will allow patients to remain in touch with the world outside the hospital via their own smart phones.
In the new Cystic Fibrosis unit at St. Vincent's University Hospital, we have specified an advanced patient entertainment system including X-box games and internet access, all integrated into the medical pendant, to improve the quality of life for young patients.
Irish Independent - CF unit finally set to open
Irish Times - Cystic fibrosis unit 'a tribute'
RTE - Cystic fibrosis patients transferred to new €22m facility at St Vincent's
