State-of-the-art pendants for Intensive Care Unit

A STANDOUT feature of Hervey Bay Hospital’s new Intensive Care Unit (ICU), set to open next year, will be a state-of-the-art ceiling pendant system designed to improve patient access, safety and wellbeing.

Unlike traditional medical equipment setups that occupy walls and floors, these units hang from the ceiling, freeing up valuable space in a patient bay while keeping essential equipment close at hand.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) Clinical Director for Fraser Coast Intensive Care Services Dr Raju Pusapati said medical services such as oxygen and power supply were currently positioned along the back wall behind the head end of the patient bed.

“The frequent addition of life support equipment – with cables and tubing attached – creates a cluttered environment that limits our access to the patient,” Dr Pusapati said.

“The new ceiling-mounted swiveling pendant will bring all essential ICU equipment into one easily accessible location, including oxygen supply, suction devices, ventilators and monitoring tools, giving clinical staff unrestricted access to the head end of the patient’s bed when performing sterile procedures in urgent situations.”

“The integrated examination light further facilitates medical examination and procedures.”

Hervey Bay Hospital acting ICU Nurse Unit Manager Daryl Taypin-Shaw said the pendants were designed with a horizontal layout to enhance provider-patient interactions.

“The ergonomic design of the pendant allows staff to reposition it with minimal physical effort, and its versatility supports the easy addition, removal or storage of essential equipment,” Ms Taypin-Shaw said.

ICU Nurse Educator Janette Barnes said the team was excited to start using the pendants next year.

“The pendants will also integrate seamlessly with ceiling-mounted patient lifts in each bay, enabling earlier mobilisation and helping to prevent weakness and other complications,” Ms Barnes said.

The ICU ceiling pendants form part of the $94 million Hervey Bay Hospital Expansion under the Hospital Rescue Plan, including a new ICU, medical ward, and rooftop helipad due to open in the second half of 2026.