The Minister for Health has opened a refurbished cancer ward at Canberra Hospital providing 22 beds for cancer and haematology inpatients.
The Minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the state-of-the-art ward meant patients would receive treatment in a contemporary and comfortable environment.
“Cancer patients can spend months in hospital undergoing debilitating treatment,” Ms Stephen-Smith said
“Ward 14A includes new medical equipment, more single bedrooms and day beds in each room for loved ones to stay if required.”
She said Canberra Health Services had taken great care in the redesign of the ward to ensure it met patient needs.
“A new dining room provides a space for patients and their families to spend time together and encourages patients to eat, which can be a struggle for some patients during their treatment,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“The design was informed by staff, patients and their families to ensure the redevelopment of ward 14A was focussed on providing the best possible patient care.”
She said the ward also featured positive pressure environments to reduce the risk of infection to immune-suppressed patients.
“These rooms are designed so that air flows out rather than in, keeping airborne bacteria away,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“These changes will allow Canberra Hospital staff to build on the exceptional care they already provide and offer a more comfortable environment for patients and those who support and care for them.”
She said the full refurbishment of a second Cancer Ward (14B) was due for completion in the second half of this year.
