A small group of senior intensive care staff at Hervey Bay Hospital recently had the opportunity to step inside their new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that is currently under construction, and their first impressions were overwhelmingly positive.
Members of our Infection Prevention and Control team joined the walkthrough to review some of the new isolation rooms on Level 2, which will expand the hospital’s current isolation capacity.
The tour offered staff an early glimpse of the future workspace they have helped shape through planning and consultation. Even in its unfinished state, the new ICU is already making an impact.
“I love it. It’s nice and spacious. The bay where you’ve got the first ceiling-mounted pendant coming down you can really visualise how that will work from a technology perspective, and it also caters for the needs of the patients’ families.” Nikki Hoppener, Nursing Director, Surgical and ICU
Staff highlighted the improved acoustics and generous room sizes, noting how the increased space will create a more restful environment, improve patient care, staff workflow, and the ability to store equipment.
“The excitement is becoming real! Seeing the space, the light, the pendants – it’s going to be a very different ICU. Excitement is an understatement.” Daryl Taypin-Shaw, A/Nurse Unit Manager, ICU
The abundance of natural light was another standout feature, with many commenting on how uplifting and calming the environment felt to their current layout.
“It’s really nice to see that there’s actually more space than I had anticipated. It’s quite well thought out. There’s lots of light – the windows that patients will be able to see out of from their beds is a highlight for me.” Janette Barnes, Nurse Educator, ICU
The team was particularly enthusiastic about the ceiling mounted pendants and hoists being installed in every bay within the ICU, which will support safer patient handing and reduce manual lifting.
“The ceiling hoists are going to be a gamechanger. Instead of moving manual hoists around, we’ll be able to transfer patients safely using the ultra‑savvy overhead system, with far less manual handling – and it’s much more comfortable for patients too.” Prapthi Sakthivel, Senior Acute Physiotherapist, ICU
The ICU bays designed to accommodate paediatric patients, when needed, also drew positive comments, reflecting the unit’s flexibility and its focus on meeting the needs of every critically unwell patient.
After the walkthrough, ICU nurses invited the project manager from Apollo’s building team for a quick tour of the current ICU. The tight, congested layout offered a clear contrast – and reinforced just how meaningful the new space will be for staff and patients.
The new ICU forms part of the Hervey Bay Hospital Expansion and is on track for completion later this year, with staff training and commissioning to follow. The visit is part of continued staff engagement, with further opportunities to come as more areas become safe and accessible.