Supply of Sequential Compression Devices to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital

⁠⁠⁠SAH2015-325 - The State of South Australia, through SA Health, has committed to the development of a new Royal Adelaide Hospital (New RAH) to replace the existing Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The New RAH is being delivered by way of a “Public Private Partnership” contract (PPP Contract) with SA Health Partnership Nominees Pty Ltd (SAHP) which will design and construct the New RAH and then provide certain ongoing services in the operation of the hospital.

Construction of the New RAH is due to be completed in late 2015 and April 2016 is the target for the opening of the hospital.

SCDs, also known as lymphodema pumps, are designed to limit the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral edema in immobile patients.

When a patient is immobile for long periods of time, blood tends to pool in the calf area of the lower leg. To combat this tendency, clinicians use the SCD which consists of an air pump connected to a disposable sleeve by a series of air tubes. The sleeve is placed around the patient’s leg and air is then forced into different parts of the sleeve in sequence, creating pressure around the calves and improving venous return.

A similar device which combats the same conditions is the foot pump. These devices artificially stimulate the large vein in the foot to increase blood circulation in bed-ridden patients by simulating the motion of blood produced during walking.