Townsville Hospital’s new Emergency Medical Unit eases pressure on ED

Townsville Hospital’s new $2.6 million emergency medical unit is already helping to ease pressure on the hospital’s busy emergency department, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson was in Townsville today to officially open the 22-bed unit.

He said emergency department patients could now be transferred to the Emergency Medical Unit (EMU) when necessary.

“This new unit will help overcome one of the greatest challenges facing emergency department staff – access block,” Mr Robertson said.

“Along with the new unit, comes a new model of emergency care where patients can now be transferred to the emergency medical unit for further treatment.

“This gives doctors time to conduct further tests and, within 24 to 48 hours, patients can be either discharged or transferred to the appropriate ward area for ongoing care.

“This will reduce the level of access block for patients treated in the emergency department and awaiting admission to a ward bed.”

Mr Robertson said the EMU had initially been operating 10 beds, but had this week increased to 16 beds.

“Even with 10 beds it was making a difference and helping to ease pressure on the emergency department,” he said.

“In March alone, there were 5529 presentations to the Townsville Hospital emergency department. Of these, 1155 persons were admitted as inpatients in the department.

“But 403 or 35 per cent of the admitted patients were transferred to the EMU; freeing up space in the emergency department.

“74% of the transferred patients were discharged by the EMU within 24 hours and the majority of patients requiring admission to specialist wards were moved within 48 hours.

“By helping to improve patient flow through the hospital we can ensure better health care for Townsville patients.”

Mr Robertson said a number of administration services were relocated to other Townsville Health Service District sites – including the new Shared Services Provider building on Douglas Campus – to make way for the new emergency medical unit.

“This development is part of a three-stage, $88.5 million Beattie Government commitment that will deliver an additional 100 beds and birthing centre for Townsville.

“I’m pleased to be opening the first stage today,” he said.

Mr Robertson said the new unit was a Smart State solution to help meet the growing demand for emergency care in Townsville.

“Last year, Townsville’s emergency department treated 54,561 patients – a 7.8 percent increase on the previous year.

“This new emergency medical unit is a symbol of the new Queensland Health where safe and timely patient care is top priority.”

Mr Robertson said the remaining six beds in the EMU are expected to come online by July as additional clinical staff are recruited.

MEDIA: JOSHUA COONEY 3234 1185