It was moving day at Sainte-Justine Hospital Thursday as 154 patients were transported to the new Jacqueline Desmarais Pavillion.
“It’s so nice. It’s like we’re in a hotel,” said Marc-Ameti Yekple, who’s three-year-old son, Rami, is recovering from a broken leg.
“We have to stay until Tuesday, but for sure we will have a good weekend.”
Patients started move around 8 a.m. Thursday.
In the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU), premature babies were sent down a hallway and set up in their new room every eight minutes.
It was a monumental effort by the staff to ensure everyone was transported safely.
“It’s going really well, knock on wood,” said ward manager Martin Reichherzer.
He explained having brand new facilities is a relief for parents, patients and staff.
“One baby next to another won’t wake them up and the parents will have more space to be,” he said.
“A premature baby is not supposed to be stimulated because it’s like it’s in the womb. So all the light, noise, prodding we need to do to care for those babies needs to be minimal.”