Better staff quarters part of modernisation plans for PEH
DEEP-SEATED challenges within the Bailiwick’s healthcare system could be tackled by a modernisation project set out by HSC, including refurbishing staff quarters.
Through the Partnership of Purpose, HSC fashioned a 10-year project designed to resolve some of the most pressing clinical needs faced by the hospital daily.
These issues have ‘potentially unacceptable’ risks and consequences which affect both staff and service users’ experience and safety.
Alongside theatre expansion, relocation of wards and a critical care unit project, refurbishment of staff changing facilities are also part of the first phase of this project.
Poor conditions of facilities have been identified in staff exit interviews which negatively impacts on staff moral and retention.
HSC president Deputy Heidi Soulsby hoped creating a better work environment would reduce staff turnover and would help with recruitment and retention.
Existing facilities also do not support the needs of staff who wish to run, walk or cycle to work.
HSC proposed to modernise and refurbish staff change facilities, for example adding showers and proper changing facilities, to support the travel strategy which encourages staff not to just take their car to work.
Fewer spaces in the car park taken up by staff cars would also generate availability for patients and visitors to find parking more easily.
There are 82 new spaces proposed to come on site at the PEH as well as a temporary car park to be built this year.
Phase 2 would take this further and consider travel plans.
Deputy Soulsby said travel plans, a transport strategy and access to the hospital are important factors to consider as the project plans for current and future demands.
Proposals already have the support of the Policy & Resources Committee and, if approved by deputies at the States meeting on 27 March 2019, could see the preliminary work of phase one.
At this stage the timescales associated with the PEH Modernisation Programme are estimated only within three phases and will be refined during the next stage of the business case process.
Up to £93.4m. could be invested in the PEH over the next 10 years if approval is granted.
n Full project details, timescales and a floor plan can be found at www.gov.gg/pehmodernisation.
