18/04/2016
Children waking-up from surgery in the Victoria Hospital will now do so in a more child-friendly environment.
The new Paediatric Anaesthesia Recovery Area allows children to come round in a dedicated area alongside other patients of a similar age. Previously, although separated by designated bays, both adult and children would recover from surgery in the same area.
A recent inspection by the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists highlighted a high quality service is being provided to our young patients, which will be further enhanced with the provision a dedicated Paediatric Anaesthesia Recovery Area.
Staffed by experienced paediatric nurses, the area is decorated in the same seaside theme as the Children’s Ward and features a series of brightly coloured paintings, including depictions of dolphins and turtles. The artwork was painted over three weekends by local artist Marie Wilson and her son Paul, as well as Karen Masters, another local artist who previously painted the eye-catching seaside murals on the Children’s Ward.
A party to celebrate its opening was attended by the Chief Executive of NHS Fife, Paul Hawkins, the Director of Nursing, Helen Paterson, as well as the nurses and doctors who work in the area and the artists who helped decorate it.
Commenting, Consultant in Anaesthetics and Pain Management, Dr Steve Gilbert, said:
“Coming to hospital can be an anxious time for anyone, particularly a young child. The creation of this new recovery area will create a brighter, calmer, more friendly environment for children and their parents.
“We hope our recovery area will contribute to a more positive all-round experience for our younger patients.”
Paediatric Nurse Manager, Lana Clacher, added:
“To take the child friendliness of the Children’s Ward and expand it into another area is a fantastic achievement and could not have been done without the dedication of everyone involved.”