The Gatton Hospital Emergency Department has officially reopened after a $1.2 million redesign to provide improved services to the Lockyer Valley community.
Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure Julieanne Gilbert said the extensive remodelling was designed to improve patient experience and clinical practice.
“I am delighted to be able to open this modern facility for the people of Lockyer Valley,” Ms Gilbert said.
“This investment will enable this award-winning team of clinicians to work in an Emergency Department that is on par with the best that regional Queensland has to offer.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to delivering the health infrastructure that communities around the State need, especially in our regions.
“The Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver for regional Queensland; we are investing more in health than any government in Queensland’s history because we support regional communities and want to continue to deliver great facilities.”
West Moreton Health Chief Executive Dr Kerrie Freeman thanked the Queensland Government for its support for local healthcare.
“Our vision for a thriving West Moreton community means investing in our people and our infrastructure to deliver safe, quality care,” Dr Freeman said.
“We are not a health service that stands still. We have an integrated Master Plan for the West Moreton region to meet the healthcare needs of a population that is expected to double by 2036.”
West Moreton Health Executive Director Community and Rural Melinda Parcell said the Gatton Health team was passionate about taking care of their community, and the refurbishment would contribute to this quality of care.
“Gatton Hospital won recognition from Pathology Queensland for quality point-of-care testing in April,” Ms Parcell said.
“This service enables almost instant bedside diagnoses in emergency situations and that ultimately has the power to save lives.
“These tests can be difficult to perform in emergency situations, so it shows how skilled this team of emergency clinicians is.
“I am so pleased they now have an Emergency Department that reflects their professionalism.”
Gatton Hospital Director of Nursing Debbie Woods said two resuscitation areas had been created along with two large treatment spaces and a new triage room where patients are assessed on arrival.
“We have reconfigured the Emergency Department to make better use of the space available to us,” Ms Woods said.
“We have also mapped the paths people take through this department, from arrival to possible admission to a ward, and this refurbishment streamlines that journey,” she said.
An improved line of sight between clinicians and the waiting room, and more effective organisation of the department, will ensure the safety of both staff and patients.
“The changes will allow patients to be triaged efficiently, therefore minimising the time they have to sit in our waiting room during busy periods,” Ms Woods said.
“We thank members of the public for their patience during the construction phase and we look forward to continuing to provide quality care.”