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Staff, BWH leaders and construction and design teams gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the new PACU.
When caring for a patient at the newly opened PACU last month, Sue Vargas, RN, was able to reach into a supply cart and find all of the essential materials for patient care. She also had access to a ceiling lift above the bed to help her reposition her patient without significant exertion, as well as a bedside computer to check for lab results.
“All of this is amazing,” said Vargas a 20-year veteran of the PACU. “I just can’t wait to use all these new features.”
These are just some of the improvements featured in the new PACU, located adjacent to the former PACU space. The new space opened for patient care last month, enabling staff to continue to provide excellent care to patients and families in the safest environment.
Last month, staff gathered at the unit for a ribbon-cutting ceremony with BWH leaders, and the construction and design teams, to mark the completion of Phase 1 of the redesign to create wider corridors with added space around patient beds so family members can spend time at the patient’s side. The next phase includes construction to reconfigure the former PACU space. When complete, the PACU will double in size and patient bays, with approximately 70 bays.
“Now family can be at the bedside without feeling they are in the way,” said Patient Care Assistant Indiana Burgo.
Staff participation and input was key to the opening of the new unit, said Jeanne Lanchester, MEd, RN, nurse manager of Pre-Op, Day Surgery and the PACU.
“Staff pushed for the creation of a quiet room, which will be used for patients who require additional attention,” said Lanchester. “Staff also spent many hours at the unit arranging supplies and equipment in a way that enhances their work environment.”
“All of this new added space is great, but it’s just the beginning,” said Cyndi Slater, BSN, RN, CCRN, PACU nurse in-charge. “As the project continues to unfold, it will give us more ways to provide great patient care.”