The revitalised dining room and kitchen of the Spinal Injuries Unit really served up a treat for current and future patients at the official reopening of the space on 28 November.
The significant milestone of the Queensland Spinal Cord Injury Service Enhancement Project has been plated up just in time for summer for the integral role the communal space plays in the lives and interactions of patients while they are receiving long term rehabilitation.
This part of the project delivered on consumer feedback including:
- Internal access from the ward with room for beds to move from the ward to the communal space
- A bistro kitchen
- A ‘cook fresh’ menu co-designed with patients and consumers
- Kitchen staff and nutritional assistants to deliver the new menu
- A self-service station for beverages anytime, better coffee, fresh cut fruit and toasters
- A laundry with more capacity and space for larger chairs
- Entertainment options in the communal airconditioned space.
Work commenced on the dining room project just after the deck reopened in March and patients were pleased to transition back into the dining room just in time for the footy finals.
Divisional Director of Allied Health and Rehabilitation, Julie Argus highlighted the kitchen and its extensive HVAC system was completed by November enabling the kitchen to open and deliver the new bistro menu.
“We have certainly heard your feedback about the types of food offered for a long admission in rehab so a key reason for upgrading the kitchen was to manage our new ‘cook fresh’ menu to keep food choices interesting for everyone,” she said at the opening event.
“This fully equipped kitchen for bistro catering will improve the variety of meals offered and improve choices and meal quality.”
The feedback of consumers throughout the QSCIS Enhancement Project started in 2023 and a collaboratively designed menu went into trials in 2024. Julie heralded the completion of the kitchen as the most important step for the revolution in dining for the Spinal Injuries Unit.
“We look forward to hosting more family meal events and other engagement activities with families and loved ones around mealtimes.
“Still to come is the artwork by artist Kylie Hill for the external courtyard which is well underway. It was great to have the patient cohort be part of the voting process to choose the preferred artwork,” she said.
Julie paid tribute to patients and staff for their patience during the construction program and to everyone for managing the change to dining on the deck or the bedside while the dining room was under renovation.
“Special thanks to the project team – particularly Beth Walter who has continued to drive this project forward as well as managing everyone’s expectations throughout the works,” Julie said.
“This major milestone of the Spinal Injuries Unit dining room and kitchen was officially opened during Disability Action Week and knowing we have delivered it in line with your feedback was a priority for our Division of Allied Health and Rehabilitation. I hope this is a space that you will continue to enjoy."
Special thanks to Health Infrastructure Queensland, the broader project team, and Hutchinson Builders who have connected with our staff and consumers to manage the build alongside the functioning rehabilitation space.