For OFWF's info
Update:
October 29, 2003
We are writing to give you a status report on our plans for a new hyperbaric
chamber at TGH. We hope that we will be able to count on your support and
understanding as we enter a new redevelopment phase of our current chamber.
As we mentioned in our summer 2003 update to you, we would like to upgrade
the interim chamber we installed last fall in the Eaton North Wing, Second
floor, Rm. 233 in order to ensure optimal conditions for our staff and
patients. There are no plans to move a new chamber to another location since
the current chamber location is near to our intensive care units, staff have
indicated that they like this space, and considerable investments have been
made to retrofit the current space for a chamber.
A committee to review the requirements of a new chamber has been created.
This committee will receive quotes for a new chamber that will meet our
patient population and staff needs, namely better critical care options.
This process is being led by Dr. Wilf DeMajo, Acting Hyperbaric Medical
Director and Ana Lopez Filici, the Hyperbaric Practice Leader, along with
input from our staff.
Please also note that we have made, and continue to make improvements to our
chamber. These include, but are not limited to: implementation of an
improved communications system (intercom and wireless phones); installation
of new cameras and extra monitor to improve monitoring capability;
installation of new compressors and storage tanks making pressurization more
efficient; installation of a new mixed gas panel; and the installation of a
rapid emergency depressurization valve for entry lock. Other changes are in
the works.
We are working hard in other ways to improve the Hyperbaric unit. In order
to ensure stability to our physician on-call system, we have offered the
physicians an additional stipend, which they have accepted. We are also
recruiting new staff to work on-call in the chamber. In the new future, our
CEO of University Health Network, Tom Closson, and Janet Beed, COO of TGH,
will be speaking with the administrative leaders of the Hamilton and Ottawa
Hyperbaric units to discuss the possibility of a provincial approach to
Hyperbaric treatment.
We do want to proceed as soon as we can, while being mindful of a number of
factors, including: staff input; costs; space and weight constraints, and
developing firm and agreed-upon contingency plans for our patients.
Again, thank you for your continued support and good will as we move forward
in ensuring that our Hyperbaric chamber meets the optimal needs of our
patients and staff.
As we are in our redevelopment phase, it is possible that you may hear
various rumours or ideas about our future plans from sources other than TGH.
Please let us assure you that we are willing to answer any of your questions
or concerns at any time. We invite you to contact us should you wish to
clarify any matter related to the TGH Hyperbaric unit. We, in turn, will
keep you informed about further developments.
Sincerely,
Dr. Wilf DeMajo Janet Newton Alex Radkewycz
Acting Hyperbaric Med Director Allied Health Manager TGH Public Affairs
Locating: 416 - 340 - 3155 416 - 340 - 4800, ext. 6318 416 - 340 -
3895
Day Pager: 416 - 980 - 0752
Update:
October 29, 2003
We are writing to give you a status report on our plans for a new hyperbaric
chamber at TGH. We hope that we will be able to count on your support and
understanding as we enter a new redevelopment phase of our current chamber.
As we mentioned in our summer 2003 update to you, we would like to upgrade
the interim chamber we installed last fall in the Eaton North Wing, Second
floor, Rm. 233 in order to ensure optimal conditions for our staff and
patients. There are no plans to move a new chamber to another location since
the current chamber location is near to our intensive care units, staff have
indicated that they like this space, and considerable investments have been
made to retrofit the current space for a chamber.
A committee to review the requirements of a new chamber has been created.
This committee will receive quotes for a new chamber that will meet our
patient population and staff needs, namely better critical care options.
This process is being led by Dr. Wilf DeMajo, Acting Hyperbaric Medical
Director and Ana Lopez Filici, the Hyperbaric Practice Leader, along with
input from our staff.
Please also note that we have made, and continue to make improvements to our
chamber. These include, but are not limited to: implementation of an
improved communications system (intercom and wireless phones); installation
of new cameras and extra monitor to improve monitoring capability;
installation of new compressors and storage tanks making pressurization more
efficient; installation of a new mixed gas panel; and the installation of a
rapid emergency depressurization valve for entry lock. Other changes are in
the works.
We are working hard in other ways to improve the Hyperbaric unit. In order
to ensure stability to our physician on-call system, we have offered the
physicians an additional stipend, which they have accepted. We are also
recruiting new staff to work on-call in the chamber. In the new future, our
CEO of University Health Network, Tom Closson, and Janet Beed, COO of TGH,
will be speaking with the administrative leaders of the Hamilton and Ottawa
Hyperbaric units to discuss the possibility of a provincial approach to
Hyperbaric treatment.
We do want to proceed as soon as we can, while being mindful of a number of
factors, including: staff input; costs; space and weight constraints, and
developing firm and agreed-upon contingency plans for our patients.
Again, thank you for your continued support and good will as we move forward
in ensuring that our Hyperbaric chamber meets the optimal needs of our
patients and staff.
As we are in our redevelopment phase, it is possible that you may hear
various rumours or ideas about our future plans from sources other than TGH.
Please let us assure you that we are willing to answer any of your questions
or concerns at any time. We invite you to contact us should you wish to
clarify any matter related to the TGH Hyperbaric unit. We, in turn, will
keep you informed about further developments.
Sincerely,
Dr. Wilf DeMajo Janet Newton Alex Radkewycz
Acting Hyperbaric Med Director Allied Health Manager TGH Public Affairs
Locating: 416 - 340 - 3155 416 - 340 - 4800, ext. 6318 416 - 340 -
3895
Day Pager: 416 - 980 - 0752
