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RVH Transitional Unit now open to address surging volumes

RVH received the second-largest allocation of beds in the province
Transitional Care Unit Ribbon Cutting - Memo
Janice Skot (centre), RVH president and CEO, celebrated with staff the opening of its new Transitional Care Inpatient Unit with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Supplied photo

NEWS RELEASE
ROYAL VICTORIA REGIONAL HEALTH CENTRE
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Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) recently celebrated the opening of its 36-bed Transitional Care Inpatient Unit, an important step toward easing RVH’s ongoing capacity challenges before flu season hits.

The Transitional Care Inpatient unit is located in a formerly closed unit on the fourth floor of the health centre and will care for patients who have a firm discharge date but face a temporary obstacle, such as needing additional physiotherapy or home care. Focused, short-term supports will enable these patients to be more quickly and safely discharged back to the community.

Operational funding for the unit was part of the provincial government’s $140 million investment to open more than 1,200 additional hospital beds across the province. RVH received the second-largest allocation of beds in the province. 

“RVH has experienced surging volumes for over a year now, with occupancy rates consistently over 110 per cent,” says Janice Skot, RVH president and CEO.

“Each day, every bed in our health centre is full and we are caring for admitted patients in hallways, the Emergency department and surge units. The opening of this unit will address current capacity pressures, as well as the predictable winter surge during what is forecast to be a difficult flu season.”

To ensure the new unit is appropriately staffed, more than 50 staff were hired and trained prior to today’s opening. The multi-disciplinary care team is led by registered nurses and heavily focused on registered practical nurses, allied health and patient care assistants.

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