This article is from page 20 of the 2008-12-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
EAR, nose and throat patients from Clare are to benefit from the newly refurbished ENT ward 2C in the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limer- ick. The newly kitted out ward has set a new standard in patient accom- modation according to the HSE
The original ward, designed in the early 1950’s, to cater for the special needs of the ear, nose and throat service, provided accommodation for 22 patients, the bathroom and toi- let facilities were corridor based and shared by all patients.
Today, the newly re-furbished ward can still accommodate 22 patients, in a mix of four single rooms, four two bedded and two five bedded rooms.
All rooms are equipped with en- suite facilities and every patient’s bed-space is equipped with a plasma television.
The patient beds are new, electric profiling beds providing the ultimate in patient comfort and care.
“It was a major challenge to retain
the required complement of patient accommodation and still provide en- suite facilities without compromising patient space. This was successfully achieved by a clever extension within the ward,” said a HSE spokesperson.
“The ward has been sensitively designed and has an elegant and comfortable feel. The impact of the improvement is immediately expe- rienced on entering the ward. Every detail has been thought through for its aesthetic effect on the final fin- ished ward. Indeed, the importance of providing a therapeutic environ- ment in which both patients and staff can flourish is evident in this new ward.”
The new facility includes a treat- ment facility which 1s equipped with endoscopic and microscopic equip- ment necessary for a Regional Ear, Nose, and Throat Service.
The ENT service provides a com- prehensive region wide service, catering for a population in excess 370,000 and sees patients from as far away as Gort and Tralee.