New lounge for Princess Alexandra Hospital patients

Patient admissions and departures at the Princess Alexandra Hospital will be faster, smoother and more comfortable thanks to the opening of a new transit care lounge.

Opening the new facility today, Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the lounge would also further reduce emergency department waiting times at the Brisbane hospital.

“We have made big inroads in slashing the long patient waiting times we inherited, but more needs to be done,” Mr Springborg said.

“Transit hubs like these have been proven to alleviate ‘access block’, which occurs when patients cannot be moved from the emergency department to a ward in the hospital.

“Rather than waiting in their bed, patients who are ready to be discharged are moved to the hub’s lounge area where they can wait for their transport to arrive.

“The lounge also provides a designated space for patients before and after their outpatient appointments as well as those patients awaiting admission.”

The hospital’s previous lounge was used by up to 160 patients a day. The new facility has double the space with 12 trolley or bed spaces, 18 recliners and 18 chairs, and improved pick-up and drop-off zones.

It also provides greater comfort with a refreshment bar for patients and a kitchenette for staff.

“The lounge shows our absolute focus on patients and how we are improving their entire journey through the hospital system,” Mr Springborg said.

While at the hospital the Minister also announced the naming of the Dr David E Theile Day Surgery and Treatment Unit, in tribute to Metro South Hospital and Health District’s former chief executive, Professor David Theile Snr AO.

“Professor Theile Snr is a highly respected clinician whose contribution to the PA Hospital and Queensland Health spans four decades,” the Minister said.

“He was a dual Olympic swimming champion, a respected colorectal surgeon, president of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, chair of the division of surgery at PA, and has earned an array of professional accolades.

“As such he is a very fitting namesake for this unit and I thank him for his contributions to the health landscape in Queensland.”

[ENDS] 18 November 2014

Media Contact: Cathy Border 0412 722 702