Since 1985, Dr. Ambrose Marsh and a large number of doctors and staff have helped usher babies into the world and cared for injured, sick, and dying patients at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Together they have comforted countless moms, dads, grandparents, uncles, aunts, children, friends, and perhaps you or your neighbours. Now retired from his position as Chief of Staff, Dr. Marsh is pleased to be the Honorary Chair of the Acute Care Unit Renovation fundraising drive.
Currently, there are 60 beds in the Acute Care Unit, with most rooms having four beds. A curtain can be drawn for a miniscule degree of privacy. Dr. Marsh says infection control is a driving force to reduce the number of patients in each room. “We aren’t going to be able to move to all private rooms without building another wing, but we’re going to shrink the rooms to two and three beds and put in a private bathroom with a door. Basics, right?”
For over thirty years, Dr. Marsh has walked into hospital rooms and seen patients become friends and advocates for each other. “A patient sees the woman beside her crying, so she calls the nurse in for help. Or I walk in and see the camaraderie between patients and ask if there’s a poker game going on here. So, there are some advantages to sharing a room. In addition to infection control, our main goals are to improve the rooms’ functionality and energy efficiency this will help make providing care easier for staff. And, we’ll make the rooms as private and comfortable as possible for patients and their loved ones.”
Dr. Marsh says that since the one-floor hospital was built in 1974, healthcare has evolved to team-based care. Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists social workers, and pharmacists all work on the ward as a team. However, they do not have enough computers or ergonomic workspace at a time when all major healthcare facilities and clinics are transitioning to electronic medical records.
“Currently, staff must wait and grab a chair when it becomes available. Fortunately, we’re all friends”, says Dr. Marsh, “So we joke with each other, but it becomes a real challenge just to get your day’s work done. Even in stressful times, though, there is humour and support for one another.”
The Acute Care Unit renovation will not only enhance functionality but also contribute to staff retention and recruitment efforts. A modern hospital, set in a beautiful community, becomes an appealing workplace, fostering a healthier work environment for all.
Dr. Marsh is leading this fundraising drive because he knows all donations – big and small – will help the dedicated staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital continue to provide exceptional care in the Acute Care Unit. Please donate today at www.sphf.ca. Together, we can make it happen. Let’s get this renovation started!
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How wonderful for a retired Doctor to head up the fundraising but devouring his time expertise and passion. We are all so lucky to have him.
Wishing you all the best for your endeavours!