Hospital Stays Blog - Tips, News and Accommodation Reviews

Please Wait..

Categories

Archive

You may also like

Within the domain of healthcare, the principle of patient empowerment stands as a foundational element in the pursuit of enhanced outcomes. This axiom holds particularly true in the context of allergy management, wherein fostering self-reliance emerges as a paramount approach to securing a sustained continuum of robust health over one's lifetime.  Allergies, spanning from those related to food, environment, or medication, possess the capacity to exert a notable influence upon an individual's overall quality of life. Nevertheless, through adept implementation of patient education strategies, individuals are poised to assert authority over their allergic predispositions, render judicious choices, and proficiently oversee their condition. Within the confines of this blog post, we shall delve into the pivotal significance of patient education within the realm of allergy management. Additionally, we will expound upon efficacious strategies designed to endow patients with the knowledge and tools requisite for augmenting their health and fostering an enhanced sense of well-being. The Significance of Patient Education in Allergy Management Prior to formulating strategies geared towards allergy management, it is imperative to comprehend the pivotal importance of imparting patients with comprehensive knowledge. This information pertains to their allergies and the requisite measures for safeguarding their well-being vis-à-vis these conditions. Patient education assumes a paramount role in the domain of allergy management, substantiated by several compelling rationales: Informed Decision-Making Informed patients are equipped to make well-informed decisions about their treatment plans, allergen avoidance strategies, and emergency responses. This knowledge empowers them to actively participate in their care and remain self-sufficient. Preventing Accidents For individuals with severe allergies, such as anaphylaxis to certain foods or insect stings, proper education is crucial for preventing life-threatening accidents. For example, knowing the difference between cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance can prevent patients from being misdiagnosed. This intent extends to knowing what medications to take for allergic reactions or what substances to avoid in life. Quality of Life Improvement Understanding allergies and their triggers enables patients to better navigate their daily lives. This encompasses making well-informed dietary selections, proficiently handling medications, and establishing secure surroundings. Such augmented sense of assurance notably diminishes stress, consequently fostering an improved state of emotional and psychological well-being. Reducing Anxiety Knowledge diminishes fear and anxiety associated with allergies. When patients understand their condition and know how to manage it, they can experience a greater sense of control and reduced stress. This in turn boosts their overall disposition, leading to more involvement in daily life and confidence to engage with new things. Facilitating Communication Educated patients can effectively communicate their needs and concerns to healthcare providers, resulting in more personalised and effective care plans. It also allows patients to advocate on their own behalf as needed or desired. Effective Patient Education Strategies for Allergy Management Once the importance of patient education is emphasised, it becomes easier for more efficient strategies to be formulated. In the case of allergy management, patient education strategies must be focused on clearly yet concisely delivering necessary information. Relaying information in a way that can be easily understood makes it accessible to all patients, which allows them to generate their own advocacy. Clear and Simple Communication Healthcare practitioners are advised to communicate using precise and jargon-free terminology when imparting knowledge to patients about allergies. Clinical information must be conveyed in a manner that ensures comprehension, irrespective of the patient's age or cultural context. Establishing a connection between the information and the patient's individual circumstances, beliefs, or values can significantly enhance the efficacy of information transmission. Visual Aids Visual aids, such as diagrams, infographics, and videos, can help patients grasp complex concepts more easily. These aids can effectively illustrate topics like how allergies develop, allergen sources, and how to use medical devices like epinephrine auto-injectors. Interactive Workshops and Webinars Hosting interactive workshops or webinars on allergy management can provide patients with an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from experts and fellow patients. In-person interactions can be far more comforting for some than just reading educational sources. Written Materials Furnish patients with written resources such as pamphlets, brochures, or booklets encompassing crucial details regarding allergies. This material should comprehensively address triggers, symptoms, preventative approaches, and protocols for emergency situations. This provision enables patients to deliberate upon the information at their own pace and provides a reliable point of reference for their future queries. One-on-One Counselling Individual counselling sessions with healthcare providers can address specific patient concerns, answer questions, and develop personalised allergy management plans tailored to the patient's lifestyle and needs. The privacy afforded by these sessions can also make it easier to ask difficult questions and provide insights that patients may be uncomfortable looking into elsewhere. Digital Resources Develop a user-friendly website or app that offers reliable allergy information, symptom trackers, and reminders for medication usage or appointments. Having an online presence allows for a greater sense of accessibility for all. Allergy Action Plans Every patient with allergies should have an individualised allergy action plan. This plan outlines steps to take in case of accidental exposure or an allergic reaction, including when and how to use medications like epinephrine. Incorporate Family and Caregivers If the patient is a child or has caregivers, ensure they are educated about the allergy as well. This promotes a supportive environment and prepares others to respond appropriately in case of emergencies. It also allows patients to focus on self-care rather than spending their time focusing just on how their allergies may affect their lives. Regular Follow-ups Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers can reinforce allergy management strategies, address any concerns, and adapt the care plan as needed. Conclusion Empowerment through knowledge and providing the right tools to help individuals manage their allergies is a cornerstone of effective healthcare. By providing patient education strategies, healthcare providers can help individuals take control of their condition, make informed decisions, and ultimately lead healthier lives.
Patient Education Strategies for Allergy Management: Empowering Patients for Better Outcomes
This March, Epworth HealthCare in Victoria celebrates 100 years of providing excellent medical services and care to patients. Over the years, Epworth massively contributed to providing quality healthcare in Victoria. From being a small community hospital that only accommodated 25 beds to being the biggest non-profit private hospital in the entire state. Dr. Lachlan Henderson, the Chief Executive of Epworth Group, stated that the victory of the organization is because of innovation and compassion, as well as having hard-working staff. "We have been a pioneer in the private hospital arena. We were the first private hospital to do cardiac surgery, the first private hospital to have an Intensive Care Unit, and the first private hospital to leap robotics for surgery. Epworth has always been innovative and that has allowed us to attract quality staff. We have very low staff turnover and actually, we have a couple of staff members who have been with us for 50 years. They're a dedicated and caring group - 50 per cent of our staff are nurses and they're the real lifeblood of our organization. They're with the patients 24/7,” he added. Throughout this year, the hospital has planned several commemorations already which includes the renovation of Epworth Freemasons, release of a historical documentary, and an exclusive dinner party which will be attended by the founding family’s descendants and some of the organization's loyal supporters. "Epworth was established with philanthropy and that is a strong, continuing tradition today. Our supporters allow us to purchase new equipment, conduct ground-breaking research and offer staff scholarships,"  Dr. Henderson stated. Furthermore. Dr. Henderson also mentioned that the future of the organization involves more innovation and continued expansion. "We're continually adapting to the latest in healthcare, with the best technology. People want to have the minimum amount of time possible in hospital and so we want people to be able to reduce their stay, while still having great outcomes. We are proud to actively contribute to the education and training of the next generation of health carers in partnership with educational institutions, government bodies, and other healthcare providers. What we do, we certainly don't do alone," he added. Epworth proudly specializes in over 40 different areas of medicine which are provided by over 7000 staff, 3000 affiliated physicians, and hundreds of kind-hearted volunteers. Just last year, there were over 200,000 patients that were admitted to Epworth. "We hope to continue to thrive and expand our footprint, innovate and make our organization a great place to work for our nurses and other staff, as well as continue to meet the healthcare needs of our community. We have a bright future,” said Dr. Henderson.  
Epworth Celebrates 100 Years
Being admitted to hospital is a scary experience. Our fact sheet is designed to help you prepare for the process of hospital admission, particularly dealing with your food allergy. Managing allergies to foods is a difficult prospect at home, especially if you suffer from multiple allergies or have severe reactions to food products. Managing allergies is even more complicated at hospital, where they may not have strict policies for providing the allergy patient with appropriate food choices. If foods are not served in a package with an ingredients list, you should ask what’s in every meal or snack. Why Are You Being Admitted? The two types of hospital admission are emergency and elective. If you’re an emergency patient, you likely came in through the Emergency Department or by ambulance. In this case, it’s an excellent idea to have a printed list of your allergies, the symptoms associated with those allergies, and foods that are appropriate for you. Your emergency admission may be a result of your food allergies or may be completely unrelated. If you’re admitted in an elective situation, say for a same-day surgery or other procedures where you may stay a day or two, you’ll still need to inform the hospital of your food allergies. You’ll be given a red band to place on your arm or leg to alert all hospital staff. When you’re admitted, ask how the facility passes on information about patient allergies and if all staff adhere to that policy. What to Consider Keep in mind your usual allergy management routine. A hospital stay, if known about ahead of time, should be treated just like a holiday or work day, where you plan ahead for what you need to take with you. You should also plan for a potential hospital admission and treat it like you would if you went out to eat, asking or studying food contents before you eat. If you have a child with food allergies, it’s even more important to plan ahead. Contact the hospital and explain your child’s restrictions and what foods are safe alternatives. Find out if the facility’s regular menu can accommodate your child’s needs. Ask about how medical staffers communicate with kitchen workers, how the food will be prepared, packaged, and delivered to your child’s room. If they can’t accommodate your child, will the hospital allow you to bring in outside food appropriate for your child? The answers to these questions will help you decide if this facility can safely cater to you or your child.  
Dealing with Food Allergies During a Stay at Hospital
Kaitlyn O’Kane has grown used to being exceptional. As a teenage cancer sufferer, she was already in an unenviable minority. But, despite now being cancer free, Kaitlyn has had to contend with ongoing side effects from the chemotherapy treatment. This includes permanent hair loss. Recently, Kaitlyn came out in support of a new high-profile campaign to make more breakthroughs with regards to treating brain cancer. Speaking to 9NEWS, Kaitlyn, now 22, said: “I have issues with my bladder, blood pressure, with my hands and fingers, with fertility and they all just seem to pop up.” Diagnosis Her diagnosis came at the tender age of just 13. She had no idea how dramatically her life would change after eight hours of surgery, followed by months of gruelling chemotherapy, that her body went through. “I wasn't socialising and creating my own identity. I was a number in hospital and that was very traumatic,” she says. Cancer Free Nine years on, Kaitlyn is thankful to be cancer free, but she wishes that others could avoid the long-term side effects that now afflict her. Each year, roughly 1935 Australians are diagnosed with some form of brain cancer. Brain cancer belongs to a group of cancers known for their low survival rates. It is alongside the pancreas, liver and lungs, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. Even though brain cancer diagnoses account for less than 20% of all cancer diagnoses, they are responsible for more than 40% of all cancer-related deaths. The reason, according to the chief executive of Cancer Council Victoria, Todd Harper, is that: “There hasn't been the same level of investment. We want to encourage talented scientific researchers to have a career in this field.” A New Initiative The government of Victoria has set aside $12 million to cover the costs of fast-tracking certain procedures, such as colonoscopies, as well as improving screening for bowel cancer. Demand for colonoscopies is rising sharply across Australia due to an ageing population and increased screening from the Commonwealth’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program putting pressure on our hospitals. Victorian public hospitals have experienced a 23 per cent increase in demand for colonoscopies between 2014-15 and 2016-17, when more than 54,000 colonoscopies were performed in Victorian public hospitals. “It might be things like clinical trials, it might be straight scientific research so we can prevent, better treat and ultimately save lives,” said the Health Minister Jill Henessey. Kaitlyn is now pursuing a career in psychiatry. She hopes to be able to help cancer sufferers like herself through a traumatic time.  “My future is shaped the way I want it to be, even with the barriers,” said Kaitlyn.
Brain Cancer Survivor Praises Push for Treatment Breakthroughs
After noticing a constant need for more lodging, a new 60-apartment complex has been designed and is currently being built. The projected opening date for this complex is April of 2017. These apartment homes are located next to Sunshine Coast University Hospital and will consist of either two or three bedroom apartments. These apartments are also conveniently located on the waterfront in the Kawana Health Hub. If you were hoping to rent one of these apartments, your luck may be tested. Over 90% of the apartments inside the home have been sold and are no longer available. "The project is located on the waterfront in the heart of Oceanside Kawana Health Hub, a $5.3 billion development now under construction and right next to the Sunshine Coast University Public and Private Hospitals,” RGD Group director Ron Grabbe said. "This was the first opportunity to buy an affordable waterfront apartment less than 100 metres from what is going to be the largest health precinct in the Southern Hemisphere and minutes to the future town centre with its shopping, dining and entertaining, world class beaches and the expanding University of the Sunshine Coast.”    
New hospital sees demand for accommodation soar
Every September, professionals, citizens, and survivors take time to bring attention and awareness to suicide through World Suicide Prevention Day. According to the World Health Organization, 800,000 people worldwide die from suicide each year and many, many more attempt suicide. It is the leading cause of death around the world in people between the ages of 15 and 29. Recognition of these facts is important but so is awareness about the antidepressant drugs so often used to try to treat depression and prevent suicide.  Antidepressants Suicide is not always caused by depression, but suicidal thoughts and behaviours are common symptoms of this mental illness. Effective treatment of depression can prevent deaths from suicide and improve quality of life. Treatment often involves antidepressant medications but a comprehensive plan also includes therapy and other strategies. There are a few different types of antidepressant drugs: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) - SSRIs are most commonly prescribed because they generally cause fewer side effects. Examples include Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) - SNRIs are the second most commonly prescribed, also because of the lower risk of side effects. These include Effexor and Cymbalta. Atypical Antidepressants - Any medication for depression that doesn’t fit into another category is atypical. These include Wellbutrin and Remeron. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants - These older types of antidepressants cause many more and worse side effects than the others, and are generally only prescribed when other medications have not helped.  Side Effects of Antidepressants Antidepressants have helped many people struggling with this mental illness, but they also cause side effects, some of which are serious. Both SSRIs and SNRIs can cause insomnia, anxiety, nausea, restlessness, sexual dysfunction, headaches, constipation, dry mouth, fatigue, tremors, diarrhea, weight loss, and dizziness.  Many of the atypical antidepressants cause blurred vision, nervousness, weight gain, fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth. Older antidepressants, including tricyclics and MAOIs may cause similar side effects but also stomach cramps, irregular heartbeat, seizures, pressure on the eyes, rashes, fainting, and high blood pressure.  Antidepressants and the Risk of Increased Suicidal Thoughts Successfully treating and managing depression is an important way to prevent suicides. However, recent research has found that antidepressants may actually increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in some people. All of these types of medications now carry a warning that they can raise the risk of suicide in children, teens, and young adults up to the age of about 25.  Even more recently a study reviewed 70 other studies and concluded that the risk is greater than was previously believed. It was the most comprehensive and complete analysis of the link between antidepressant use and suicide. The study found that pharmaceutical companies have underreported the potential harm of antidepressant use in teens and children. According to The Royal Children’s Hospital suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, second only to motor vehicle accidents. By looking at clinical trials the study’s authors found that the thoughts of suicide and suicidal actions doubled in the young people who were taking the antidepressants. They found that information about individual suicide attempts in clinical trials was often buried in the ends of trial reports that were never emphasized in the final results.  Preventing suicide is crucial, but antidepressants can cause harm as well as hope. Young people may be at a greater risk of increased suicidal ideation than previously believed, and this means that new ways of lowering suicide rates are necessary. Some young people may benefit from antidepressants, including reducing suicidal thoughts, but for others, the risks are too great. More awareness for this issue and for suicide, in general, will help take the stigma out of mental illness and hopefully lead to more people reaching out for assistance. 
Suicide Awareness and Antidepressant Drugs
Just after her first birthday, Jason Sotiri’s daughter, Angela, was hospitalised and diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Sotiri quickly found that one of the biggest struggles was changing Angela’s hospital gown.   “After chemotherapy Angela would wake to vomit, and it was so challenging to change her with an IV drip and chest monitor cables attached that I knew this must be a struggle for every parent whose child is in hospital,” Sotiris explained.   “Angela was given just a 20% chance of survival, but has beaten the odds, and thankfully is still with us today.” He now wants to do what he can to help other families that are facing devastating challenges like his.    Sotiri used his own battle and experience as inspiration to create the Supertee. This is medical garment that is designed for easy put on and removal around breathing masks and tubes. It’s MRI and X-RAY friendly and has removable studs on the sides, shoulders and underarms.   Sotiri’s best friend, Yusuf Muklis, assisted him with making the first prototypes of the Supertee. One day while they were working Sotiri’s three-year-old son, Teo, dressed up as Batman trying to cheer his sister up. This is what inspired the superhero theme.   Superhero Inspired   “There is research showing pretend play, like being a superhero helps a child put a psychological distance between themselves and the problem at hand. It’s known as The Batman Effect,” Sotiris said.   "It allows children to step back from a problem and think about it from multiple angles, they can then see different options for a solution.” Not to mention, it also keeps boredom at bay and keep morale high.   Getting Started Sotiris and Muklis wanted to get the Supertee business up and running as quickly as possible, so that sick children and their families could start benefiting from the comfort and convenience of the gowns.   Many local businesses have partnered up to get $10,000 worth of Supertees to sick children. Just two local businesses alone were able to supply 122 Supertees for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation’s 2018 Gold Appeal.    Sotiri and Muklis have been raised the remaining funds by working overtime and extra side jobs to fund the initial batch of Supertees. They said they’ll be giving them out to sick kids for free at the Children’s Hospital in Westmead, Sydney, once the Supertee officially launches in June of 2018. A portion of the price will go back to the hospital.
Superhero hospital gown to the rescue
A visit to hospital can be frightening for a person of any age, but especially for children. The following information will give you some ideas to help you and your child before, during and after their visit to The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), and will help you know what to expect. Before you come to hospital Getting organised Find out all the information you need about your child's surgery or hospital stay from relevant people at the hospital. Ask any questions you have about staying in hospital (e.g. accommodation and parking arrangements).  Some departments have pre-admission educational material specific to their procedures (e.g. videos for children explaining what to expect when they visit), so check with the medical team if there are resources you can access.  Get together a list of things you will need to bring with you. Try to arrange for the care of your other children, and organise any other arrangements for your home. Your family and friends will be pleased to have a specific task to do to help you through this experience. For more information about the hospital, including ward guides, car parking, visiting hours and activities, download the My RCH app. What to tell your child about their hospital visit Tell your child honestly and truthfully why they need to come to hospital. If your child is under six years of age, tell your child a couple of days beforehand. If they are more than six years old, tell them a week or two beforehand. Telling your child before coming into hospital gives them time to prepare by asking questions and talking with you and others. Use simple words your child will understand. Be careful about using humour or making jokes about going to hospital with your child. Joking around with adults can lighten up a potentially stressful situation; however, in children, humour has not yet developed in the same way. Jokes in this situation may be confusing or frightening for children. Child life therapy The Child Life Therapy department runs a  pre-admission program. Through play, a child life therapist will help your child understand what they can expect when they come into hospital. They can also answer many of your own questions about the visit. Child life therapists will show you the areas of the hospital that your child will visit during their stay, which will help to make the surroundings feel more familiar. They will show your child any dressings, plasters, splints, IV (intravenous) drips and other equipment they may need before or after their surgery or procedure, and explain their purpose through play. Your child will also be prepared for having an anaesthetic (going to sleep) – again through play and demonstration. Bookings are essential for attending a pre-admission program, and can be made from several weeks to several days before your child's admission to hospital. Preparing your child for hospital – tips and ideas Depending on the age of your child, give them plenty of opportunities for 'hospital play'. You can get them to do things like bandaging a teddy, listening to a family member's heartbeat, practising taking medicine. Read books together about going to hospital. Your local library, school, kindergarten or childcare centre may be able to help. Be prepared for your child to ask the same questions several times. Each time you answer them, they will absorb a little more information, as well as gain reassurance from you. Involve your child in the preparations for hospital. For example, help them with packing their bag, including items such as:  a favourite doll, blanket, teddy or other comfort item a favourite activity, or maybe a new one especially for hospital toiletries and new pyjamas photos of family members and pets at home. Remember to pack any regular medications that your child is taking, including creams, puffers and autoinjectors (e.g. Epipen). Even if they are not used during the hospital stay, it is important that any regular medications are documented in your child's medical record. Tell your child's school, kindergarten or childcare centre about the upcoming hospital visit. They will also be able to help prepare your child and, for longer hospital admissions, work with the hospital to ensure your child stays in touch. You could also give them a copy of this fact sheet. Reassure your child that you will be coming and staying with them. If they are having a general anaesthetic, you will usually be able to stay with your child before their surgery until they are asleep. You can also be with them in the recovery room after the operation. What to bring to hospital for yourself Layers of comfortable clothing. Personal items if you are intending to stay overnight with your child. Medicare and any other health insurance information. Books or other reading materials and activities for yourself. A note book and pen to write down any questions or information you need. During your child's hospital stay You are encouraged to be with your child on the ward as much as possible during their hospital stay. Parents and regular caregivers are an invaluable member of their child's care team as they know their child best. Usually, you will be able to stay overnight in the hospital ward with your child. This will usually be in a sofa bed or a reclining chair next to your child's bed. Ask the ward staff about visiting times for other family members and friends. You are encouraged to continue the day-to-day care of your child while they are in hospital (e.g. feeding them and changing nappies as required, cuddling and playing with them, helping to shower/bathe them, and going with them for medical procedures, tests or treatments). It is important that all medicines are managed by nursing staff while your child is in hospital, even those given regularly at home. You are welcome to be involved in the administration of medicines, but you need to discuss this with your child's nurse to ensure that the correct medicine and amount is given. Tell your child's nurse or doctor about any medication you have given your child so that we don't give any extra doses.  Remember to take breaks and look after yourself. This will mean you are better able to support and care for your child. The hospital's Family Hub is a supportive place where you can go for a rest and to get a hot drink. Having a child in hospital can also be a scary and tiring experience for a parent. If you are breastfeeding your child, you will be provided with meals throughout your child's stay. Speak to your nurse or ward clerk about signing up to My RCH Portal. The portal will allow you to manage appointments, see test results and view a list of medications your child is prescribed. Communicating with your child's care team When your child is admitted to hospital, they will be placed under the care of a home team (your primary contacts responsible for the medical care of your child). In addition to your home team, your child may be seen by other medical professionals and consultants. They will report back to your home team, so if you have any questions about your child's treatment, ask members of your home team. During ward rounds (when the doctors come to review your child), you can ask questions regarding your child's care and treatment plan. It may be helpful if you write these down beforehand so you don't forget, as the ward rounds can be a busy time. If you are at all unsure about what is happening with your child's care, feel free to ask your home team any questions you have. When you are under stress you may need to hear the same piece of information a couple of times before you fully grasp it, and staff understand this. If you need to talk about your child's treatment or any other concerns, it is sometimes best to do this away from your child. Even if they appear to be busy playing, children may be actively listening still, and may become worried if they sense you are concerned or upset. Getting ready to go home On the day of discharge, you will usually be expected to leave by 10am. Try to arrange the day before for someone to pick you up, and then you will just need to confirm on the morning that you are ready to go home. Remember to ask for any medical certificates you may need for your child's care or school, or your own workplace. Ensure you have, and understand, the instructions for your child's care at home. This includes any medications and any follow-up appointments needed. Ensure all the information that you need is in included in your discharge paperwork, including a phone number of the ward nursing staff so that you can ring if you have any concerns after you go home. When your child gets home It is not unusual for a child to show some behaviours that are different to normal when they leave hospital. For instance, they might be clingy, attention-seeking or have 'babyish' behaviours (e.g. sucking their thumb) that they had previously grown out of. A visit to hospital is a big event in a child's life, even if it is only for a day procedure. Stick to your usual routines and give them some time, patience and understanding. Your child will soon return to their normal self. Again, allow your child plenty of time to play being in hospital once they are home. They have more information and experience now, and may need to play out these experiences to make sense of and cope with them. Brothers and sisters may also be clingy or show attention-seeking behaviours. Having their sibling in hospital has been different for them too, so allow time for their questions and try to involve them in events. Key points to remember Be honest about telling your child why they need to come to hospital. Involve them in the preparations for hospital e.g. help them with packing their bag and choosing special toys to bring to hospital. Allow plenty of time for play and questions about coming to hospital. Remember to take breaks and look after yourself during your child's stay. Feel free to ask any questions you have about your child's care and treatment plan. Allow your child some time to readjust when they return home again. For more information The Royal Children's Hospital: Child Life Therapy; ph. 03 9345 9300 The Royal Children's Hospital: Pre-Admission Resource Centre; ph. 03 9345 4115 Source: rch.org.au 
Your child's hospital stay at The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH)
Perth Children’s Hospital has been shortlisted for the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards. They are finalists in the Commercial Interior: Public & Hospitality category. Their nomination for this award is because of their wonderful use of colour to create a family-friendly and welcoming environment for all patients and visitors.  The hospital managed to create this warm environment by designing through the perspective of a child. This has resulted in the use of playful designs and colours, the purpose of which is to reduce any anxiety felt by young patients and their parents or carers. The main focus of this child-friendly design is the use of colour but other design features also work to make the hospital appear almost playground-like from a child’s point of view.   New Hospital  Perth Children's Hospital only opened its doors in 2018 intending to provide world-class pediatric care to children under the age of 16. The Hospital has 298 beds as well as numerous research labs and medical education facilities.  The hospital is a hub for pioneering medical techniques and offers the best of specialized care. Located within the hospital are numerous facilities for families, several state-of-the-art operating theatres, youth mental health services, an intensive care unit for neonatal care, as well as a retail area for patients, visitors and staff. The hospital is also serviced by a helipad and houses state-of-the-art medical technology. The hospital was built to replace the century-old Princess Margaret Hospital and is the hub of West Australia's pediatric care and research. The design is exactly what a children's hospital should look like - welcoming and de-institutionalised, putting young minds at ease.   Holistically Designed The hospital was built by Managing Contractor John Holland and was designed by JCY Architects and Urban Designers, Billard Leece Partnership and Cox Architecture. Due to the sheer scale of a project of this nature, there were thousands of people involved in some way or another, including over 200 designers.  The team involved all worked out of the same office space to ensure a completely holistic approach to the project, which allowed them to deliver on the vision and objectives of the project.  Inspiration Due to its nature as a child-focused space, the team wanted to approach all aspects of the build from the perspective of children, who would be the service users after all. The aim was also to create a space which would result in a stress-free experience for the children who would come in the door as patients and also reduce the anxiety of their families. The colours used throughout the building serve as a mode of distraction. This is due to them being concentrated in certain areas rather than just used in large sweeping blocks. The site of the hospital is right beside West Australian natural bushland, which has inspired the colour palette used. The colours are a remnant of wildflowers found in the bushland.  No element of the design hasn't been viewed from a child's perspective, making this a really special space for pediatric care, one that is wholly aged appropriate and the gold standard of children's hospitals worldwide.  Colours are used to make the hospital seem like a ‘place of adventure' and set a benchmark for other children's hospitals to follow.   Excitement and Playfulness A big hive of excitement and activity within the hospital is found in the heart of the building, in a beautiful atrium space. The playful reception desk cannot be missed and has been designed in a way that even the smallest of children can be seen, thanks to a complete absence of any visual impediments, an important aspect of putting a child at ease.  There is no shortage of light as it is reflected throughout the space creating a bright and airy environment. Play rather than illness is the main focus of this space.  The hospital is made up of various destinations, all highlighted by gorgeous bright colours and prominent landmarks created by the use of shapes. All reception desks are designed especially for children, as well as all the seating throughout the hospital which is designed to encourage playing and climbing as opposed to just sitting, fostering the exploration nature of children. The various staff stations throughout the building are all designed as treehouses.  Functionality Over 75% of the rooms in the hospital are intended for single patient occupancy. As well as the general hospital interior, all patient rooms are also designed from the perspective of a child. Many rooms overlook the bushland and all have lowered window sills to allow children to enjoy the views of nature. The rooms also feature a family area that allows a parent to stay the night as well as enough space for a child to play freely with his or her siblings. All rooms also have an ensuite bathroom, making the room resemble a hotel room for families as opposed to a hospital room.   There is a widescreen smart tv in the patient rooms which can be used for a variety of purposes, from playing video games to communicating with family and friends over skype. The room is also designed so that any medical devices, as well as the patient's bed, are located close to the door. This means that staff won’t need to traverse far or step into the family area of the room. There is also space to hide any medical equipment that is not currently in use discreetly. The Perth Children’s Hospital exudes explementary design features and will serve generations of children in Western Australia, improving their health and overall well-being in the process. 
Through the eyes of a child
Citizens of Adelaide had high hopes for the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. Erected right at the heart of the city, the hospital promised its citizens quality treatment and care all while not burdening the tax payer’s dollars. Unfortunately, that just simply wasn’t the case. The budget for building the hospital is expected to lose over an astonishing $1 million in revenue every year. In 2015 and 2016, the residential wing alone pushed the budget back by $1.1 million. The unfortunate consequence of this irresponsible over budgeting is that patients and visitors have to both pay a lot more to stay over with their loved ones or can’t even stay with their loved ones overnight inside the hospital. The Health Department says that visitors are allowed to sleep in day beds in the same room as patients only “where appropriate”. In response to complaints of overpricing, they said visitors could simply go somewhere else close by for “less than $100 a night”. “People don’t appreciate how hard and complex it is to come from a regional area to the city and not have family support,” says Tim Whetstone, the Chaffey MP representing Riverland.  “If they can’t afford to come down without that accommodation, will patients forgo their medical intervention, tests, or operations because they can’t incur the cost to come to Adelaide?” Despite best efforts of raising over $6.5 million in revenue for the hospital, Wheststone says that this still won’t be enough.  “This is a revenue raiser of over $1 million a year that the Government will have to find elsewhere,” Central Adelaide Local Health Network Chief Len Richard claims that the revenue went into building the residential wing’s operating and maintenance costs, however, skepticism is at an all-time high. It’s clear poor planning, however, has had a hand to play for these unjust conditions. Hopefully, both patients and visitors alike will be able to stay at the hospital at affordable prices.
New Royal Adelaide Hospital has no provision for accommodation for families of rural patients