New unit provides more care closer to home at Maryborough Hospital

• Maryborough Hospital has opened its new Short Stay Unit
• The Short Stay Unit consists of seven beds and treats patients requiring a one to two-day stay at the hospital.
• The unit employs 23 additional health staff and is clinically overseen by an Emergency Department consultant.
• The new unit will benefit those across the Fraser Coast as fewer patients will require transfers to Hervey Bay Hospital

A new seven-bed Short Stay Unit at Maryborough Hospital has opened this week providing additional support to patients closer to their homes.

The Short Stay Unit will allow more patients to receive short-term care at Maryborough Hospital, instead of being transferred to Hervey Bay Hospital.

Typically, the Short Stay Unit will treat patients requiring a one to two-day hospital stay.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath:

“The seven-bed unit and accompanying additional 23 health staff are a welcome addition to Maryborough Hospital.

“We are committed to providing the best care possible to the people of Queensland and are pleased that the opening of the Short Stay Unit will provide greater access to care for the Maryborough community.

“With a multidisciplinary team including medical officers, nursing, allied health, administration and operational staff, the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service will be able to increase the treatment provided from Maryborough Hospital.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders:

“The Short Stay Unit will provide invaluable care for the Maryborough community.

“I will always advocate for the Maryborough Hospital and my community who rely on it.

“I’m proud to be a part of the Palaszczuk Government because we are delivering the health services that Maryborough needs.

Quotes attributable to Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll:

“We have been working hard to improve the flow of patients through our hospitals and to increase our capacity to care for those in need.

“The new Short Stay Unit will benefit not only those in Maryborough, but the Hervey Bay community too, as fewer patients will require transfer to Hervey Bay Hospital to receive appropriate care.

“The Queensland Ambulance Service will also have greater ability to respond to emergency calls across the Fraser Coast, as there will be a reduction in the number of patients transferred by ambulance between Maryborough and Hervey Bay hospitals.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

The Short Stay Unit supports patients requiring observation and monitoring, as well as those with medical conditions that have escalated or need treatment and management. An Emergency Department consultant will provide medical oversight and be responsible for decision making in the new space, ensuring that patients receive appropriate and safe care while remaining in the region.

ENDS

Media contact: Lucy Collier – 0409 461 324