Almost two years after it was inaugurated, the trauma care wing of Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) here became fully functional on Monday.
The Rs.29-crore building constructed for accident emergencies, head injuries and casualty cases started operating with the casualty, head injury, neuro trauma and general surgery trauma wards on the occasion of the 66th birthday of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
The trauma care building – also known as GRH annexe – has a total of 420 beds, of which 300 are dedicated to the orthopaedic ward, 60 for neuro trauma and general trauma ward each, said B. Santha Kumar, Dean, GRH.
“The annexe building is designed in such a manner that the X-ray, CT-Scan and central laboratory facilities are situated in close proximity. It will enable the patients to save time in shuttling between the centres for taking various medical tests,” he added.
In January 2012, the new wing began admitting patients, who had undergone surgeries or other similar procedures at the GRH orthopaedics department, for post-operative care.
According to the hospital authorities, the casualty ward and the head injury ward are situated on the ground and first floor of the building.
Operation theatres
There are seven operation theatres in the new facility that will handle emergency and trauma cases, and also cases pertaining to orthopaedics.
Presently, the hospital has a total of 310 patients admitted to various wards.
On the liquefied oxygen plant, the Dean said,
“At present, 20 D-type cylinders are being consumed every day here. The liquefied oxygen plant would soon be installed. Once it is set up, the plant would ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply to various wards.”