In case of emergency

Hospital staff go through mock scenarios in prep for ER opening

A possible case of measles, a mental health situation and a car accident involving two adults and a two-year-old.

These cases were treated at the new emergency department of the Aberdeen Hospital on Thursday — only in this case the “patients” were faking it. The scenarios were part of training for staff who will be moving into the new department on Oct. 24.

Health services manager Jennifer Sutherland said this kind of training is a great way to get staff accustomed to the new space, which is four times the size of the current emergency department.

“It gives the staff a chance to operate in the space before opening day,” she explained. “It’s an orientation to their environment.”

While there are still a few small finishing touches, including some signage to be put up in the new department, it is now being stocked with supplies in preparation for the official opening to the delight of staff.

“They’re looking forward to the move,” Sutherland said. “The space allows the opportunity for them to provide patient care in a more private setting.”

What’s been nice about this project she said is that because it was built from the ground up and not just a renovation of existing space, they were able to include some key items including specialized rooms for everything from obstetrics/gynecology to ophthalmology and orthopedics.

The new ambulance bay will fit four ambulances at a time and will allow for patients to be moved from the ambulance to the emergency room within a sheltered environment.

There are some designated parking spots around the emergency department and there will be a drop-off zone for when those spaces are filled.

“We’re very proud to this point and really looking forward to opening day,” Sutherland said.

MARK GOUDGE/SALTWIRE NETWORK Emily Corey prepares to intubate as possible scenarios are played out at the New Aberdeen Hospital emergency department prior to its opening on Oct. 24.

MARK GOUDGE/SALTWIRE NETWORK Benjie Nycum, CEO of Nycum + Associates, who do architecture planning and project management, and staff work out details for scenarios as they prepare for the official opening of the Aberdeen Hospital’s new emergency facility.

MARK GOUDGE/SALTWIRE NETWORK A patient and mother are placed in isolation for a scenario that the patient has a rash, fever and exposure to a positive case of measles.