Media Release
Date: Monday 21 January 2013
New Renal Ward
Blessed And Ready For Patients
Caption: The staff of the refurbished renal
ward celebrate together at the blessing
The new Renal Ward on Level 3 of Waikato Hospital's Menzies Building was blessed on Friday with kaumatua, chaplains and staff present for the occasion.
The blessing paved the way for Acute Renal Dialysis to open for procedures yesterday (Sunday 20 January). Ward 24, currently in the Smith Building, will move to this location on Wednesday (23 January) and be called Ward M3 Renal. It has space for 12 inpatient beds and 10 acute dialysis patients. It was previously home to the High Dependency Unit before its move to Meade Clinical Centre.
Charge nurse manager Liz Courtney said the ward – with its new environment and upgraded facilities – is a more welcoming space for patients.
“We have many long-stay chronic patients, so it is very important that they are comfortable and catered-to. This facility ensures this,” she said.
Clinical director Dr Peter Sizeland attended the blessing and commended the work of the dedicated team behind completing the ward.
“We believe this is a safe environment, clinically and culturally, and we look forward to a positive and bright future ahead,” he said.
For more photos of the Renal Ward blessing, click here.
About Waikato District Health Board and Health
Waikato:
Waikato DHB is responsible for planning, funding and providing quality health and disability support services for the 373,220 people living in the Waikato DHB region. It has an annual turnover of $1.2 billion and employs more than 6450 people.
Health Waikato is the DHB’s main provider of hospital and health services. It has six groups across five hospital sites, three primary birthing units, two continuing care facilities and 20 community bases offering a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
A wide range of independent providers deliver other Waikato DHB-funded health services - including primary health, pharmacies and community laboratories.
ENDS