The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary is back home on Block 1 after an extensive refurbishment.
The 8-week works programme – the first upgrade in more than 20 years – involved ICU team and patients temporarily relocating on to Ward 10 for the duration.
The work involved new flooring throughout, the replacement of fire doors and an all-round general upgrade. The kitchens and sluice areas have been renovated and new curtain-rails added to maximise space in the patient care areas and improve patient privacy and dignity.
The ward team invited Pulse Radio breakfast presenters Mylo and Rosie – known to an ICU colleague – to cut the ribbon at an opening ceremony. Rosie said:"We are loving being here and feel very honoured to have been invited to attend. We are both brought up in this area and we know everyone has been some recent tough times and we’re here to say thank-you too.”
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust’s Deputy CEO, Rob Aitchison, said: “We are incredibly proud of our colleagues who have worked tirelessly over the past eight weeks to enable these much-needed improvements to happen.
“The completion of these works means that our patients continue to receive the very best of care.”
Matron, Sue Thompson, said: “Throughout it all, everyone has been incredible. The ICU staff have worked so hard and been flexible, especially coming in on their days off to support the move to Ward 10 and to help with restocking and the move back the day we returned.
“The unit is lighter and brighter and, overall, a better environment to work in. Covid has been a difficult time for everyone so it’s nice to see everyone working together and back with a smile on their face.
“Ward 10 have been amazing. We all helped each other out when we needed extra support, which is what it’s all about.
“We also have to give a big shout-out to the estates and cleaning services colleagues as, without their hard work, we wouldn’t be back in our lovely unit.”
The ICU team earlier presented Ward 10 colleagues with a hamper as a thank you for all their support.
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7 December 2022
