WHEN you’re critically ill it’s not the surroundings but the people that make the difference.
It’s been 12 years since Mrs McEntee was taken to the unit with a life-threatening infection but memories of the care and thoughtfulness given to her and her family by the staff still lingers today.
“I have no doubt that without these wonderful people I would not be here today and no one deserve these new facilities more.”
Prime Minister Helen Clark officially opened the $6.38 million unit, which became functional yesterday as staff and patients moved in.
It has a total of 18 ICU beds, which include 10 open bed spaces separated by privacy curtains, four bed spaces suitable for paediatric patients with additional parental floor space and two positive pressure rooms for severe burn injury patients.
The unit also houses a barrier isolation room for severe burns patients requiring isolation, a negative pressure isolation room for those with airborne infectious diseases, and a shower trolley room.
“It’s going to make our job a lot easier and offer our patients a lot better treatment options.”
Counties District Health Board chairman Professor Gregor Coster says the old until, built back in 1991, had become cramped and unsuitable for modern needs of its patients.
“The new unit is expected to increase capacity to about 1000 critically ill patients each year,” he says.
The Prime Minister says Middlemore has always had a reputation of providing first class treatment for its patients and the new facility will enhance that. “I remember coming to visit my dear friend David Lange when he was very unwell and I remember thinking he was here, knowing he was in good hands.”
Acting mayor of Manukau, Gary Troup, brought best wishes from Mayor Len Brown and his wife Shan Inglis.
Mr Brown was treated at the unit earlier this month following a heart attack, before being transferred to Auckland City Hospital.
The Mayoress’ Ball, in association with Rotary, raised around $290,000 for paediatric beds in the unit.
Due to the unstable and critical status of patients admitted to the ICU, about 10 per cent of patients each year die in the unit.
More than $1.5 million was donated for the project from a range of sponsors, which enabled ICU to buy much needed equipment. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is the principal sponsor.
