North West Private Hospital in Brisbane has continued its expansion with the launch of a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) featuring 'intelligent' beds that cater to patients' individual needs.
The unit includes two intensive care beds and four critical care beds, and can provide immediate resuscitation and cardiorespiratory support for critically-ill patients who require invasive ventilation for up to 48 hours and critical care for non-invasive ventilated patients as required.
The computerised beds, all in private rooms with the latest technology, can weigh patients and provide dozens of pre-recorded clinical phrases translated into many languages, and have mattresses that automatically rotate to prevent fluid retention on the lungs.
Hospital CEO Chris Murphy said the unit was created in response to a shortage of ICU beds on Brisbane's northside, as well as North West Private's increasing clinical complexity.
"The ICU is quickly establishing its credentials and we are managing more complex care onsite.
"This includes complex post-surgery patients requiring short-term post-operative ventilation, appropriate cardiac, maternity and medical," he said.
"North West Private is located within close proximity to a number of emergency departments on the Northside, so there's an opportunity for direct referrals of appropriate patients."
He said Dr David Sturgess would be ICU Director, and the unit would play a major role in the monitoring and clinical management of complications in at-risk adult medical, surgical and obstetric patients.
ICU Nurse Unit Manager Joyce Souza, who has 15 years' nursing experience across three countries, said the small size of the unit allowed "very personalised" care.
"I love being with patients and the nurse/patient ratio means we can spend more time looking after patients.
"And I enjoy the challenge of caring for critically-ill patients," she said.
The Everton Park hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care Australia, completed most of its $55 million expansion in late 2020, including new operating theatres and free multi-level car parking.
