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Fresh Faces For Fresh Spaces
Monday 15 December, 2008
Fresh Faces For Fresh Spaces
Waikato Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) manager Gem Williams reckons her unit is so impressive; it could attract more much needed NICU nurses to Waikato Hospital.
Construction of Waikato Hospital's brand new NICU is just weeks away from completion - now Mrs Williams is looking for new recruits to enjoy the revamped environment.
Offering a sneak peek at the new unit, Waikato Hospital is hosting an open afternoon on Thursday (18 December), looking to attract experienced and prospective neonatal intensive care nurses.
"Waikato Hospital's NICU is highly regarded throughout New Zealand, and many of our nurses travel from well outside of Hamilton just to be part of the team," said Mrs Williams.
"Unfortunately, as in most other areas of nursing, we are short staffed so thought the open afternoon would be a great way to show prospective nurses just what Waikato NICU has to offer as a work environment, with the gorgeous physical environment as a bonus.
"NICU is a stunning place to work as it is, but we are all looking so forward to working in the beautiful space that awaits us once the new unit is complete in February."
The redevelopment is part of Waikato Hospital's $252 million Service and Campus Redevelopment project.
The new facility is shaping up to be such an improvement on the current; it is hard to summarise just what those improvements are, says Mrs Williams.
"Let alone the fact the space is four times larger than the current unit, the functionality for staff, patients and families is improved ten-fold."
The new NICU will see each cot space complete with its own piece of modern technology called pendants, which are ceiling mounted and hold all the necessary gases, oxygen, suction, intravenous pumps and a computer monitor - much more convenient for staff and families alike.
Not only are the well-equipped pendants replacing old technology with new, they are also eliminating power cords from around the cots, creating a lot more room to move and a safer environment.
"Another attractive feature of the new facility is that the nurseries will be much lighter, brighter places for babies and their families - with some even having a view of Hamilton Lake," Mrs Williams said.
"It's just going to be beautiful, so we really hope some of those NICU nurses out there come along to see for themselves what Waikato can offer as an employer for them."
The open afternoon will be held from 12-2pm on Thursday, 18 December. Those taking part will assemble at L9, Elizabeth Rothwell Building, Waikato Hospital.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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