WATCH: First look inside Red Cross Hospital's new ICU
Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo joined journalists and dignitaries on a tour of the new ICU. Picture: Jade Otto/Cape Argus Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo joined journalists and dignitaries on a tour of the new ICU. Picture: Jade Otto/Cape Argus
Cape Town - If I think of the worst place to ever find myself, it would be in hospital.
I dislike the strong smell of medicine smell and the smell of latex gloves...
Video: Tracey Adams/ANA Pictures
But when I walked through the new ICU ward at the Red Cross War Memorial Hospital, I felt at ease. All you smell is new-born babies and talcum powder.
Official opening of the newly renovated Paediatric ICU @RCWMCH #picuopening @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/YoEjyDKAze
— Jade Otto (@JadeOtto1) October 26, 2017
The new pediatric ICU at the hospital was launched on Thursday it looks fresh and vibrant - not anything like I imagine a hospital to be.
WATCH: The new pediatric ward is officially open @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/hZAouj6vl5
— Marvin Charles (@MarvinCharles17) October 26, 2017
The unit is spacious, painted in colours, and really tries to feel like home.
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I imagine parents will feel safer leaving their children to be cared for, knowing they would be well-taken care of.
WATCH: Look at the new pediatric ICU @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/Me57XcU6Qu
— Marvin Charles (@MarvinCharles17) October 26, 2017
During the tour, Medical Director of the ICU Andrew Argent said he had received numerous complaints from the nursing staff that their working stations were cramped in the old unit, and it was dimly lit, generally a "dark" place to be.
WATCH:Take a look at the fresh new ICU. We are told that the main concern nurses was insufficient lighting. @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/0DipOsRvZ9
— Marvin Charles (@MarvinCharles17) October 26, 2017
With that in mind, I'm sure the nurses will now report to work smiling.
LOOK: Staff rooms at the new ICU @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/8nCUoZDrKG
— Marvin Charles (@MarvinCharles17) October 26, 2017
The staff rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Bear in mind, these nurses are on their feet for 18 hours a day, and are awake at all hours of the day to attend to their patients' needs.
Cadi de Jager, mini ambassador for the @chtrust1 @RCWMCH twirls inside the new Paediatric ICU @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/zFUMLbwCL8
— Jade Otto (@JadeOtto1) October 26, 2017
In the staff room you have relaxed lounges where nurses can take a break and they also have a cafeteria with a beautiful view of the hospital grounds overlooking the mountains.
Safe, relaxed, spacious and fresh is the simplest way to describe the new ICU.
marvin.charles@inl.co.za