$1m redevelopment of the emergency dept at RPH opened

27/11/96

Health Minister Kevin Prince today officially opened the $1 million redevelopment of the emergency department at Royal Perth Hospital.

"The emergency department at Royal Perth is the busiest trauma centre in Western Australia and one of the busiest in the nation," Mr Prince said.

"More than 50,000 patients are treated each year in the hospital's emergency section and of those, about 20,000 are admitted to hospital for further treatment.

"It has been obvious for several years that the demand for emergency services was increasing and challenging the capacity of the existing department to cope adequately.

"This well-planned redevelopment has now created an emergency department that is second to none in Australia and one which includes a greatly improved work environment for staff and enhanced treatment area for patients."

The new emergency department now includes:

·       25 patient bays including 17 for assessment and treatment of the less seriously ill and four each in the resuscitation and monitor area for patients with potentially life-threatening illnesses;

·       new ambulance, patient and private transport entrances;

·       a minor procedures theatre;

·       a central workstation for clinical staff;

·       shower and toilet facilities for patients within the clinical area;

·       video monitoring to facilitate communication; and -

·       a soundproof room for violent or intoxicated patients.

A new CT scanner will also be installed in the department over the next two months.

"The changes have created an environment where staff can work to the best advantage of all patients, where priorities for treatment can be properly assigned and where all 25 treatment bays can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Mr Prince said.

Work on the new emergency department started in June.

Stage eight of the hospital's redevelopment program, which includes upgrading and expanding the admissions area and the creation of a new public entrance and waiting room, is expected to be completed in February next year.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 366 0300