NHH experiencing space issues

File Photo

By Cecilia Nasmith

An unprecedented patient surge at Northumberland Hills Hospital in August has brought home the fact that space there is inadequate, President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Walsh said at the Board's October meeting.

Incoming patients ranged from ones who would have been considered in the low-risk category to older adults with concerning conditions – who would not have been easily discharged.

“It was a really difficult time,” Walsh said.

“There were a lot of difficult conversations in terms of operations, but great support from our volunteers.”

Now the recognition must be faced that they are out of space.

Walsh spoke of an internal initiative being launched with this focus, an opportunity to exchange ideas on operational methods and design issues.

The province has announced a $47-million project to provide intensive support around lean methodology to improve patient flow – but NHH is not included in the initiative, which Walsh said seems aimed at larger hospitals. But they have heard that they are in a control group, a designation which involves providing a lot of data.

“It will be a strain on us – it's data we don't produce now,” Walsh noted.