Skip to main content
. 2021 Apr 9;73:104–112. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2021.03.013

Table 2.

Infrastructural adaptations made to key clinical areas.

Location
  • -

    Details

‘Hospital within a Hospital’
Iveagh Ward (Gynaecology Ward)
Theatre/ HDU
  • -

    The gynaecology ward, Theatre 3 and HDU were converted to negative pressure ventilation areas.

  • -

    The main gynaecology ward reduced its capacity from 12 to a fully equipped eight bedded high dependency unit (HDU).

  • -

    The six single rooms on the gynaecology ward were converted to negative pressure ventilation with appropriate equipment to treat any patients with positive/ suspected SARS-CoV-2.

  • -

    This area was adjacent to Theatre and HDU to which it provided easy access along with close links (using a designated lift) to delivery ward and antenatal wards (one level below).

  • -

    Theatre 3 and HDU areas were converted to negative pressure ventilation for suspected/ positive SARS-CoV-2 patients. This area had the advantage of being self-contained.

  • -

    Corridors leading to these areas were sealed off providing a self-contained ‘hospital within a hospital’.

  • -

    Donning and doffing areas were provided.

  • -

    Designated changing rooms were created for staff working within the Iveagh Ward.

  • -

    A rest space for staff was incorporated into the ward, facilitating designated staff of the area to have their meals and breaks within the Iveagh Ward.

Fitzwilliam Wing (Postnatal Ward)
  • -

    Two five bedded and two single rooms in the postnatal ward were converted to negative pressure ventilation to care for suspected/ positive SARS-CoV-2 patients. The ensuite single room (large) was designated for patients who had a multiple birth.

  • -

    The location of the postnatal ward was key to providing additional isolation areas, if the gynaecology ward was full. This ward was located at the far end of the hospital corridor and was located beside theatre with lift access directly to Delivery Ward (floor below).

  • -

    A changing area and designated staff rest space were provided for staff within this area.

Delivery Ward
  • -

    Three delivery rooms were converted to negative pressure ventilation, for patients in labour who were suspected/ positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Emergency Room (ER)
  • -

    Four assessment rooms in Emergency Room (ER) were converted to negative pressure ventilation, facilitating the assessment of suspected/ positive SARS-CoV-2 patients. The nonSARS-CoV-2 patients requiring ER assessment were redirected to the Gynaecology Outpatients Department. The cancellation of scheduled outpatient appointments meant that examination rooms could be used as ER assessment rooms.