Introduction: :
Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) Phase 1 Redevelopment Project was completed with grand opening on November 28 2023. One of the challenges of hospital redevelopment is to relocate departments to new building. The application of 4M 1E method in planning and execution of relocation of 13-bed-intensive care unit (ICU) is described.
Methodology: :
4M1E method was applied for the relocation process. Five factors of 4M1E are Man, Machine, Material, Method, and Environment. For man, extra manpower included nurses, doctors and supporting staffs were arranged and divided into different teams for management of patients care and equipment relocation on move-in day. Hospital management and administrative team, pharmacist, physiotherapist, radiologist, IT personnel, facility management, planning team, system vendors were all engaged to provide support on move-in day. Effective communication between departments, staff, patients and patients’ families was sustained to ensure the relocation process was well-informed with clear role and responsibilities. For machine and material, it included readiness of new equipment and systems installation, safety testing and provision of staff training in new ICU prior move-in. To ensure smooth transition, it required meticulous medical supplies and drug stocking in new and old ICU before move-in with special attention on patient records transfer to protect patient data privacy. For methodology, ICU move-in day was set up after detailed discussion among clinical and non-clinical departments led by hospital management and planning team. Routing and itinerary of patients and equipment escort was streamlined and tested in advance. The patient transfer plan comprising composition of transportation teams, the use of appropriate equipment, and communication protocols were outlined. Patient care service included critically ill service support network, patient admission and discharge arrangement; special outreach service; adjustment of family visitation and patient care routines with multi-disciplinary collaboration during move-in was thoroughly planned and performed. Training on new workflows and drills on emergency procedures were conducted to prepare for handling situations in the new environment. Varies contingency plans were prepared for the worst situation, for examples, bad weather arrangement, IT system or medical gas failure so to ensure backup systems were in place for continuity of patient care. For environment, terminal cleansing was conducted to maintain a hygienic environment before move-in. Infection control team was involved particularly in safeguarding ventilation system of new isolation facilities were ready to use. New hospital and ICU tours with orientation were conducted for allowing staff familiarize with new layout.
