Stage one complete – Whangarei hospital emergency department

Media Statement

3 December 2015

Stage one complete – Whangarei hospital emergency department works

This morning staff gathered at the new Whangarei Hospital emergency department (ED) triage area (assessment area) to bless the space before it opens for patients today.

Patient feedback raised the need for increased privacy when presenting and throughout the triage process. This and other feedback has seen the reconfiguration of the department.

“The previous triage space was far from private and for patients who had private matters to discuss it was quite unsatisfactory”, noted ED clinical director Dr Andrew McClelland.

“ED is the first point of contact with many of our patients, so having an appropriate space to do this well is very important.”

The new clerical and triage area is phase one of the project that will also add four additional triage bays and improve flow through the busy service, not only improving privacy for patients but also reducing waiting times.

“The additional triage bays will provide the space to assess and treat patients with minor injuries more effectively depending on what their need is, and this will mean they can get home and continue their day rather than waiting to be seen.” Dr McClelland said.

Improving the work environment is also good news for staff. The old ED entrance was very cold in the winter and because it was right at the front door there was a lot of additional foot traffic.

“Staff morale is going to improve because this is a much more pleasant area to work in”.

To allow the department to remain open work is being completed in stages, with the second stage expected to be completed by 23 December. As with any construction project, there are some changes to access points to the department and thoroughfare. Signage is in place to clearly direct all visitors around construction zones.

Whangarei Hospital continues to experience an increase in ED presentations, averaging 100 presentations per day, an increase of 3% from the previous year.

Your GP is the best place for urgent care that is not critical or life threatening such as injuries to upper and lower limbs, broken bones, sprains, bruises and wounds.

You should always phone 111 for an ambulance if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

© Scoop Media