Meet Infection Control Clinical Nurse Consultant Kellie Kenway, who is drawing on her Infection knowledge and experience to ensure the new Coomera Hospital – due for completion in 2027 – incorporates essential infection control elements into its design.
What does your current role involve?
My role encompasses providing expert clinical advice in infection prevention and control to both health care professionals and patients. I’m responsible for overseeing our Staff Health Program and aligning our practices with national standards to prevent and control infections. This involves everything from monitoring and reporting infections, educating staff, to developing relevant guidelines and procedures.
What has your role been in the Coomera Hospital?
From the early planning stages of the Coomera Hospital, I've been deeply involved in the Project User Groups (PUGs), ensuring that infection control perspectives are integrated into every phase – from detailed design to selecting furniture and finishes. My focus is on elements critical to infection control such as the layout of single and isolation rooms, placement of clinical hand basins, and the materials used for surfaces to ensure they are easy to clean and reduce infection risks.
Why is it important that clinicians have input into this future facility?
Clinicians are on the front lines every day. We understand the practicalities of hospital environments and what improvements are necessary. Having all recently experienced a global pandemic, we've gained invaluable insights into optimising hospital designs to enhance safety for patients, staff, and visitors.
Do you have a highlight as a PUG member?
My highlights are the small ‘wins’ and improvements such as clinical hand basins in correct locations. It’s rewarding to be included and listened to by the project team, knowing my contributions will minimise infection risks at the new Coomera Hospital when opens to the community.
What do you hope the Coomera Hospital will be?
I hope Coomera Hospital will make the northern Gold Coast feel more secure with a local hospital at their doorstep that will safely cater for a baby’s first cry to those heart-aching end of life cares. The new hospital will also assist the entire Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service to serve the community.
Lastly, what do you do to stay healthy?
Practising good hand hygiene is fundamental in my field and for everyone! Additionally, I make sure to stay home when I’m feeling unwell, keep up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations, and prioritise getting plenty of sleep.
