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Move To New Emergency Department Exceeds Expectations
Media information
For immediate release
Date: 21 February 2011
Move To New Emergency Department Exceeds Expectations
Today is day 13 for staff in Waikato Hospital’s new Emergency Department, after a surprisingly smooth transition on 8 February.
Staff treated 160 patients on move-day and 90 per cent were seen within the Ministry of Health’s six-hour target timeframe.
Assistant group manager acute services Kevin Harris said this was nothing short of outstanding.
“Many staff from throughout the DHB worked tirelessly both on the day and for many months prior to ensure this would go smoothly,” he said.
“The smooth transition is a credit to their hard work. Thank you for such a great team effort.”
Clinical director Dr John Bonning said it is great to finally be in a purpose-designed facility where every room is built for a specific function.
“Last weekend was a huge challenge with 192 patients through on Sunday - 50 more than a predicted weekend day and with lots of trauma so the new state-of-the-art equipment in the resuscitation rooms really proved its worth.
“The increased floor area is also a challenge, but our new wireless phone system helps us keep in touch and locate people quickly,” he said.
Nurse manager Jenni Yeates said staff have received lots of compliments from patients about the facilities and care they receive.
“The place certainly seems a lot less chaotic and noisy, even with large numbers of patients.
“It’s a big transition for all, requiring ongoing commitment by the staff as we become more familiar with our new environment, and work on the getting the processes well defined,” she said.
In the event of an emergency the ED is ready to provide care, but for any non-urgent situations people should visit their GP or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.
The new Emergency Department is part of Waikato DHB’s $252 million Building Programme.
The ED is one level of the $48 million three-level Acute Services Building.
Construction began in early 2009 and will be complete in July when the two levels above ED open, with 101 beds for medical and respiratory patients.
www.waikatodhb.govt.nz/newemergency
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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