News

New MBH Paediatric Unit complete

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 20:04:00

Construction of Mildura Base Hospital’s new $3.8 million Paediatric Unit is now complete, with the eight-bed unit featuring a comforting style and non-clinical feel.

Ramsay Health Care is proud to have overseen development and finalisation of the state-of-the-art unit ahead of completion of Ramsay’s contract to operate the hospital on September 15.
The new stand-alone unit includes eight single rooms, with an ensuite in each and enough room for a parent to stay overnight with their child. Telehealth facilities are available in each room, natural light floods in through large windows, and the earthy colours of the interior design reflect the local environment.
“This is a state-of-the-art unit where we can care for children in a specialised environment,” MBH Paediatrician Dr Suriyanarayanapillai Hariprakash (or Dr Hari as he is often known) said.
“A specialised Paediatrics Unit, with specialist staff, means more of our young patients can be treated here, close to home, and with the support of their families close by, which is of course so important.”
The $3.882 million project was funded by the Victorian Government and built by Mildura-based contractor King’s Construction.
The unit now stands toward the rear of the hospital on what was once an open grassed area and car parking.
Dr Hari said the construction – which began in February/March this year and was completed last week – had been a smooth process with very little impact on patients and existing services.
“We’ve been able to create quite a unique space here that is purpose built and, with the exception of some delays due to COVID-19, the whole construction process has been straight forward,” Dr Hari said.
While the ward is connected to the hospital’s medical and surgical unit, it is a dedicated area for the provision of services to patients under 16.
“We didn’t want it to have a clinical feel to it, so the architecture, the high ceilings and the natural light are all quite different from what you might expect in a hospital,” Dr Hari said.
“It feels distinct, and that’s a good thing, but we know the unit is fit-for-purpose because we’ve had wonderful involvement from our medical staff who have had direct input into the planning.”
Final touches and furnishings are being completed and the official opening date for the unit will be finalised in the coming weeks, with all staff eagerly anticipating the move into the new facility.

Pictured:
MBH Nurse Unit Manager Noriel Serato and Senior Staff Paediatrician Dr Suriyanarayanapillai Hariprakash in the new paediatric unit.