CCfV’s Challenge Unit is a state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient research facility located in the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. The Challenge Unit features ten single-bed isolation rooms with full monitoring capability, negative air pressure and HEPA-filtered exhaust for each isolation room to handle respiratory pathogens.
Safety and containment are paramount which is why the facility holds an in-unit nurse’s station, on-call physician’s room, and medication preparation room, along with other clinical resources limiting the need for staff and samples to leave the unit.
Participant accessibility & comfort are predominant factors in their experience while under observation. With this in mind, the Challenge Unit rooms also feature Wi-Fi, tv, a minifridge, a workspace, access to IWK’s meal and clinical services and an ensuite bathroom.