Lorraine Elizabeth Brownrigg ICU 360° View
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The new Lorraine Elizabeth Brownrigg intensive care unit (ICU) at Dartmouth General Hospital is now open for patient care. The new space is strategically located between the operating rooms and the emergency department, with diagnostic imaging across the hall.
“This will be invaluable for timely access to care and eliminate the need to use the elevator to transport patients to access care,” said ICU health services manager, Holly Henry. “This makes it much more dignified for the patients and much easier for health care providers.”
In addition to its new location, the renovated unit is larger in space than its predecessor. The bigger footprint allows for family to support their loved ones, without encroaching on health care spaces.
“Our new ICU allows us to optimally care for our critically ill patients, adapting to their needs,” said Dartmouth General
medical lead, Dr. Natalie Cheng. “There is significantly improved functionality and flexibility, a dedicated negative pressure room [isolation room] with a separate antechamber for safer gowning and removal of personal protective equipment, and a separate consultation room for important family discussions. These, along with the other improvements, will have an enormous impact on patients and the health care team.”
Henry explains that the new ICU provides better care conditions for both patients and providers, including 12-foot ceilings, large windows, and a skylight to help alleviate ICU deliriums and improve the overall workplace environment.
Additional new features and equipment include booms and patient lifts, and functions without head walls to provide more space for and easier access for patient care.
This incredible donation was made possible because of the exceptional care Lorraine received at DGH. Impressed by
Lorraine’s care from Dr. LindenSmith, Dr. Yung, and the entire DGH Respiratory Team, her husband, John, approached the Foundation in 2015 following Lorraine’s passing.
John was eager to support the Foundation, and he wanted to make a donation to show his appreciation. Sadly, John passed before he was able to see his donation remembering his beloved wife realized, but Foundation and Hospital staff were lucky enough to be joined by members of John and Lorraine’s families by zoom for a virtual tour early in July.
John and Lorraine, like all of the other donors to the Above and Beyond campaign, are now part of the history of the Dartmouth General. Between the generosity of our donors and the Province of Nova Scotia truly amazing work has been, and will continue to be done at DGH.
