Gympie’s new emergency department up and running
Published Friday, 09 November, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
A new $6.7 million emergency department at Gympie Hospital has already treated more than 8,000 people since July, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson, officially opening the ED, said it was an excellent example of how the State Government’s $10 billion Health Action Plan was delivering major benefits to Queenslanders.
“Gympie’s emergency department has recorded a 7% increase in demand in the past five years so this upgraded and expanded facility will be welcomed by both patients and staff,” he said.
“More than 8,000 people have already received treatment at the ED since July.
“It provides 12 beds, including a specific paediatric treatment area, and a dedicated mental health room.
“It also consists of an eye care room, a purpose-built decontamination shower and a separate triage area to provide additional patient privacy as well as a single triage point for both ambulance and self-presenting patients.
Mr Robertson said the redeveloped ED was the latest in a series of health service improvements I then Gympie region.
“Gympie’s first permanent breastscreen service started providing free mammograms for local residents in April this year,” he said.
“It has already exceeded targets by screening more than 2,000 women since April.
“Gympie’s pathology lab has recently refurbished at a cost of $100,000 to accommodate a new analyser which allows a greater scope of testing to be done locally.
“That means fewer tests need to be referred to specialist labs in Brisbane for analysing allowing local doctors to make clinical decision on a greater range of patients in less time.”
9 November, 2007
MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185
Mr Robertson, officially opening the ED, said it was an excellent example of how the State Government’s $10 billion Health Action Plan was delivering major benefits to Queenslanders.
“Gympie’s emergency department has recorded a 7% increase in demand in the past five years so this upgraded and expanded facility will be welcomed by both patients and staff,” he said.
“More than 8,000 people have already received treatment at the ED since July.
“It provides 12 beds, including a specific paediatric treatment area, and a dedicated mental health room.
“It also consists of an eye care room, a purpose-built decontamination shower and a separate triage area to provide additional patient privacy as well as a single triage point for both ambulance and self-presenting patients.
Mr Robertson said the redeveloped ED was the latest in a series of health service improvements I then Gympie region.
“Gympie’s first permanent breastscreen service started providing free mammograms for local residents in April this year,” he said.
“It has already exceeded targets by screening more than 2,000 women since April.
“Gympie’s pathology lab has recently refurbished at a cost of $100,000 to accommodate a new analyser which allows a greater scope of testing to be done locally.
“That means fewer tests need to be referred to specialist labs in Brisbane for analysing allowing local doctors to make clinical decision on a greater range of patients in less time.”
9 November, 2007
MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185