Rooms at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) are to be redesigned as part of plans to make them more suited to patients' needs.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board yesterday announced that one room on Curtis Ward was completed, and another of an altogether different design, nearly finished.

Patients are expected to start using the rooms later this month.

But according to the BHB, the rooms will first "be vetted by patients, their families and staff members as part of a pilot project to make sure they meet the needs of people using them".

Once given the green light by stakeholders, other patient rooms will undergo similar refurbishment, capitalising on preferred features.

"Our pilot rooms are setting the standard for the future refurbishment of KEMH wards, as well as the 90 new single-occupancy en suite rooms that will be built in our new patient tower," said director of medical/surgical wards, Granville Russell. "Each room is unique and features effective and attractive design elements that incorporate blends of blues and greens, along with light wood accents in keeping with other renovation projects at KEMH."

The pilot rooms include these key features:

• Entrance doors with small windows for viewing patients without disturbing them

• Sinks for staff, patients and visitors to wash their hands for better infection control

• Bright and decorative floor coverings

• Double-glazed pivot-action windows that make cleaning easier

• Sensor-operated faucets and lighting in washrooms for resource efficiency

• Bedside controls for lighting and nurse call button

• Technology to support bed maintenance and future services

• Attractive design for a pleasant, soothing patient experience

• Bedside computer for more efficient record keeping

• Easy access to plumbing and electrical services through specially-designed access panels

"We are pleased patients admitted to Curtis Ward will be the first to use these rooms," said Curtis' clinical coordinator Karen Raynor. "They incorporate state-of-the-art technology, which means better service for patients and a more therapeutic environment."

Added Jane Chapman, services redesign manager, who is overseeing the project: "This is an exciting time in the development of new and better facilities for our patients and staff. BHB is committed to investing in the care environment and services we provide. We look forward to renovating other patient rooms to this standard."