FAQ: What is being done to ensure the safe and effective move of patients to the new hospital?

Having a loved one in the hospital can be stressful, and the thought of moving to a new hospital may add to those concerns. That’s why Northern Health is taking a thoughtful, carefully planned approach to ensure that every patient is moved safely, comfortably, and with the support they need.

To help coordinate the transition, Northern Health is working with Health Care Relocations (HCR), an international organization that specializes in hospital moves. HCR has safely relocated over 500 hospitals worldwide and transferred tens of thousands of patients in a safe, effective manner.

In May, HCR formed the Patient Transfer Committee (PTC), a team dedicated to planning and overseeing the safe, organized transfer of patients from the current hospital to the new hospital. The committee consists of clinical and operational leaders, along with HCR team members, who will provide guidance and expertise during the planning process and will ensure that all protocols are followed on move day.

The PTC is developing a detailed and coordinated plan for a single day move which will involve a continuous flow of patients between facilities. Members of staff will be given a clearly defined role so that the focus can be entirely on patient care and safety.

To support the transition, the PTC is also developing several key resources for the move including the:

• Patient Transfer Sequence – Outlines the order and timing for patient moves
• Patient Transfer Protocols – Provides staff with the proper procedures to follow such as:
  • Medication Management
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Patient identification
  • Communications
  • Emergency Response Plans
• Patient Transfer Info Guide – Provides staff with information about their role, the move route, and timeline for the day.

Planning has been underway for the Patient Transfer Rehearsal in November, which is a walk-through of move day. The rehearsal will give staff an opportunity to walk through procedures, identify gaps, areas for improvement, timing issues, and build confidence ahead of the transition. The transfer team and hospital staff will each have additional virtual and in person training sessions which will be conducted by HCR leading up to move day.

In preparation for the move, the PTC, HCR, along with many Department Heads will continue to review and update plans and protocols to ensure they are ready and updated for the new hospital. This includes updating emergency response procedures (such as code blue and pink); housekeeping and equipment cleaning processes; patient meal services; security plan; elevator operations; pharmacy support; physician coverage; and patient census management.

As patient move day approaches, non-emergent (elective) procedures will gradually decrease to allow staff to focus on the patients. However, emergent procedures will continue as needed to ensure patients receive timely care.

The PTC has been meeting since May and will continue to meet monthly until the move day to keep everything on track.

Prior to the move, patients will receive information about what to expect before the move, including how their personal belongings will travel with them. Patients will be given a bag provided by HCR for their belongings during transport, and any flowers must be taken home by family and returned upon the patient getting settled in the new hospital.

By following these careful steps and procedures, all loved ones that are in the hospital at the time of the move will be well taken care of and looked after to ensure their safety and their comfort.