New wards add capacity at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Published: 3-Mar-2014

31 additional beds for general medicine and care of the elderly


Two new wards have opened, adding an additional 31 beds at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Construction began last summer on Ward 120, a 25-bed trauma orthopaedic area and Ward 220, a 26-bed elective orthopaedic ward.

The development also involved a reconfiguration of wards 109 and 209, with the space vacated by the move of orthopaedic patients now being used to treat patients in general medicine and care of the elderly.

In the new wards there are ceiling hoists over five of the beds to aid patient movement and reduce the risk of staff injury.

The new areas also include seven naturally-lit en-suite single rooms to help support infection prevention and control.

Diane Gorrie-Robertson, from Edinburgh, is a patient on ward 220 and said of the new facilities: “The rooms are bigger and for an orthopaedic ward I think that’s very important. It’s more spacious with good accessibility and the brightness also helps to lift the mood for patients like myself.

“The staff here have always been fantastic with me and I have to say that the environment matches the level of care they provide.”

Senior charge nurse, Fiona Morrison, added: “A lot of effort has gone into getting these new wards ready and I am delighted they are now welcoming patients.

“Having the new beds in a setting which is appropriate for each patient is so important. All the staff on the ward are looking forward to providing care in first-class facilities.”

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