EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CAPACITY SET TO DOUBLE AT REDLAND HOSPITAL

A new emergency department at Redland Hospital will treat up to 45,000 patients a year in a major expansion of health services for Brisbane’s bayside.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today officially opened the new $7 million emergency department marking the fifth and final stage of the hospital’s $14.8 million redevelopment.

“This new and expanded facility will see the number of treatment beds in the emergency department more than double from 13 to 31,” Mr Robertson said.

“Five of these will be short-stay observation beds.

“The expansion also includes a state-of-the-art resuscitation room, an isolation room and 12 multi-purpose treatment cubicles.

“Waiting room patients will be managed in an ambulatory care environment - a separate area within the emergency ward with consulting rooms, four cubicles, a plaster room, and an eye, ear, nose and throat room.

“A specialist service to deal with sexual assault cases will also be situated within the new emergency ward ensuring it is equipped to handle emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The redevelopment has also included the expansion of the hospital’s Pathology, Pharmacy and Health Records departments.”

The 31 beds at the emergency department consist of:

• 12 - Acute
• 5 - Non Acute
• 5 - Short Stay
• 4 - Resuscitation
• 1 - Isolation
• The remaining 4 beds will be used for the specialist sexual assault service, opthamology service and plaster room.

Mr Robertson said the Redland Hospital redevelopment demonstrated the Government’s commitment to plan for the future and manage growth.

“This expansion is not just about giving patients better access to the emergency department, it’s about improving patient flow through the hospital.

“The Bligh Government is building tomorrow’s Queensland today and this redevelopment equips Redland Hospital to deal with not just current need but future demand.”

Health care in Redland had entered a new era thanks to the hospital redevelopment, Mr Robertson explained.

“Just last month, the hospital’s 12-chair renal dialysis unit celebrated its first birthday.

“This means bayside residents who need dialysis can now receive this vital treatment closer to home, in their local community, rather than having to travel to Princess Alexandra Hospital.

“This project is yet another example of our Government’s commitment to building first-class health infrastructure to meet the challenge of a growing and ageing population.”

Media: Martin Philip 3225 2680 / 0407 675008