More beds open at Logan Hospital emergency department
Published Tuesday, 02 October, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
A $7.5 million expansion to Logan Hospital emergency department has provided 10 extra beds to help meet the growing demand for emergency care in the region, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson inspected the upgraded emergency department, which started treating patients last month (September).
“The extension has increased bed capacity from 16 to 26 beds,” he said.
“It includes an extra 10 short-stay beds to help improve patient flow and allow better access for all patients.
“That’s tackling emergency department access block by ensuring that patients requiring admission to hospital get treated more quickly.
“Reducing access block in our emergency departments remains one of our top priorities in health.
“Access block creates pressure for emergency departments when they are not able to send patients to a hospital ward in a timely manner because there are no beds readily available.”
Mr Robertson said the Logan Hospital emergency department was treating record numbers of patients every month.
“In the June quarter 2007, 15,194 patients were treated in the emergency department up from 14,616 in the same quarter last year,” he said.
“This expanded emergency department will help ensure Logan Hospital has the infrastructure needed to meet this growing demand for health services in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.
“Logan Hospital emergency department is one of the busiest in Queensland and treats more than 60,000 patients every year.”
Mr Robertson said the expansion also included a larger waiting area and patient transit lounge.
The Intensive Care Unit was relocated to make way for the additional beds.
Mr Robertson said since June 2005, Queensland Health had recruited 95 extra doctors, 392 extra nurses and 77 extra allied health professionals to work in public hospitals on Brisbane’s south side.
2 October, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson inspected the upgraded emergency department, which started treating patients last month (September).
“The extension has increased bed capacity from 16 to 26 beds,” he said.
“It includes an extra 10 short-stay beds to help improve patient flow and allow better access for all patients.
“That’s tackling emergency department access block by ensuring that patients requiring admission to hospital get treated more quickly.
“Reducing access block in our emergency departments remains one of our top priorities in health.
“Access block creates pressure for emergency departments when they are not able to send patients to a hospital ward in a timely manner because there are no beds readily available.”
Mr Robertson said the Logan Hospital emergency department was treating record numbers of patients every month.
“In the June quarter 2007, 15,194 patients were treated in the emergency department up from 14,616 in the same quarter last year,” he said.
“This expanded emergency department will help ensure Logan Hospital has the infrastructure needed to meet this growing demand for health services in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.
“Logan Hospital emergency department is one of the busiest in Queensland and treats more than 60,000 patients every year.”
Mr Robertson said the expansion also included a larger waiting area and patient transit lounge.
The Intensive Care Unit was relocated to make way for the additional beds.
Mr Robertson said since June 2005, Queensland Health had recruited 95 extra doctors, 392 extra nurses and 77 extra allied health professionals to work in public hospitals on Brisbane’s south side.
2 October, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680