Can you hear that? It’s the sound of a new home!

30 Jan, 2018, 1:29 pm Sia Anthopoulos Audiology, ENT, health, redevelopment, Westmead Hospital, westmead redevelopment

Audiology staff at the ENT and audiology staff station — Audiology administrative officer Hardeep Kaur, head of audiology Monica Gibian and senior audiologist Mitchell Adair at the shared ENT and audiology staff station

The ear, nose and throat (ENT) and audiology departments moved into their new home at Westmead Hospital last week and opened for routine appointments on Monday, 29 January 2018.

Last week, staff relocated and unpacked medical and office furniture and equipment in their new home on level 2 of Westmead Hospital (E2) near the University Clinics. Final adjustments, plus installations and testing of equipment continued as the handover and commissioning period moved into its final stages. During this transition period, staff continued with emergency patient appointments in the old location (level 1 clinic G).

The refurbished area includes a procedure room for ENT, two specialised audiology testing rooms, five consultation rooms, a shared non-clinical work room, and cleaning and storage areas.

Audiology staff unpack — Audiology administrative officer Hardeep Kaur unpacks the first trolley

Head of audiology Monica Gibian said: “we are delighted to move into this fresh, new, purpose-built space. The audiology team are particularly excited about the two new audiology testing rooms. These rooms are comfortable and bright, will improve testing with our existing equipment, and allow us to run simultaneous tests rather than one test at a time.

“Patient access and admission will be streamlined greatly. Previously, ENT and audiology reception areas were separate. Patients now enter near the University Clinics and come straight into the new shared reception. This new space will improve the experience of patients, as well as the communication between both departments.

Head of ENT Dr Narinder Singh said: “the ENT department is looking forward to seeing our patients in this new shared space with audiology. Both teams have been involved in the extensive planning process, led by the Westmead Redevelopment. Through the planning process, we have directly influenced the design of our new work area and patient zones and we’re pleased with the result.

“Monica and I would like to say a huge thanks to our teams. Both departments have done a superb job during the planning, move and transition period.”

ENT and audiology patients will continue to be advised of the new location. If patients, carers or families have any questions about the new location, they are advised to contact the department phone numbers, which have not changed.

Department phone numbers:

Ear, nose and throat department – (02) 8890 6886 – 8am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Audiology department – (02) 8890 7479 – 8am – 1pm, Monday to Thursday, except public holidays

A celebration event for staff is being planned to thank them for their patience and hard work during the refurbishment.

Find out more about the Westmead Hospital refurbishment program in 2018: http://www.westmeadproject.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/refurbishments