Sarah Courtney,Minister for Health
The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the State Government's number one priority as we continue to deal with COVID-19.
This week K-Block will have its biggest week to date with many more services and staff moving into the new state-of-the-art health facility.
The general medicine unit yesterday moved into K-Block Level 10 West (K10W) to be part of the 64-bed general and respiratory medicine precinct.
K10W has been designed for respiratory care and includes a dedicated, three-bed, non-invasive ventilation room used for acute respiratory failure and four negative pressure isolation rooms.
This new working environment will provide a more contemporary workplace for staff and see patients treated in a truly world class facility.
Today, the 24-bed neurosurgery unit will move to K-Block Level 8 West (K8W).
K8W includes a six-bed high dependency unit and staff observation area, two negative pressure isolation rooms and two dedicated rooms for patients with post-traumatic amnesia.
This week, surgical and perioperative staff also begin moving into Levels 4 and 5 (K4 and K5) to allow for staged works that will create the Royal Hobart Hospital's new operating theatre precinct.
This is an exciting period at the hospital as our staff adjust and familiarise themselves with the brand new hospital infrastructure, including modern equipment and architecturally designed areas throughout K-Block.
On Monday, 18 May 2020, the allied therapy area and the staff lounge will open on K-Block Level 2 East (K2E).
Allied health services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology are important to improving patient movement and function so they are ready for discharge. The large allied health therapy area on K2E includes a gym and a bathroom and kitchen for daily living assessments.
A lounge has also been provided to better support staff taking scheduled breaks. The lounge includes a kitchen and dining area, amenities and meeting rooms.
I thank all staff for their hard work in getting this facility operational which will deliver better outcomes and support for patients.
We are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation daily and will remain flexible in the use of health facilities to best meet the health needs of Tasmanians.
