Redcliffe Hospital celebrated the opening of its upgraded emergency department, which includes a dedicated paediatric section. The $10-million upgrade aims to provide safer and improved emergency care for children and families.
The newly unveiled paediatric facilities feature a separate waiting area, triage, and treatment spaces that are specifically designed to cater to the needs of children and their families. This dedicated section will ensure that young patients receive specialized care in a child-friendly environment.
In addition to the paediatric section, the upgrade also includes the addition of 12 more treatment spaces in the ED. Among these, a mental health lounge has been created to accommodate low-acuity mental health patients in need of emergency care. The enhanced facilities and expanded capacity will enable the hospital to provide efficient and comprehensive emergency services to a growing number of patients.
The $10 million investment in the Redcliffe Hospital’s emergency department was made as part of an election commitment by the Australian Government in 2019. The funding has allowed for the necessary infrastructure improvements and the recruitment of additional nursing and medical staff to support the upgraded facilities.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration between the state government and the Australian Government in delivering improved healthcare services to Queensland families. She highlighted the positive impact the new treatment spaces will have on young patients while also supporting hardworking healthcare professionals. Ms Palaszczuk further noted that the significant budget allocated to healthcare this year will lead to the delivery of similar facilities across hospitals in the state.
Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman emphasized the importance of the upgrade, stating that it will provide specialized care for the youngest members of the community. Ms Fentiman pointed out that one in five ED presentations at Redcliffe Hospital involves children, making it crucial to invest in dedicated spaces tailored to their needs. The timing of the upgrade aligns with the $1.1 billion Redcliffe Expansion project, set to bring 204 new beds to Redcliffe Hospital.
Attorney-General and Member for Redcliffe, Yvette D’Ath, highlighted the family-friendly features incorporated into the new paediatric section. Charging points for mobile devices and an interactive ceiling-mounted projector have been installed to help entertain and distract children during their stay. Ms D’Ath emphasized that the upgrade aligns with the growth and changing demographic needs of the Peninsula community.
Dr. Alan Yan, the Director of the Redcliffe Hospital Emergency Department, expressed his excitement about the new dedicated section. With approximately 20 per cent of ED presentations involving babies and children, amounting to over 1000 paediatric cases per month, the separate section will undoubtedly enhance the care and overall experience for parents, caregivers, and families.
Dr. Yan also emphasized that the additional treatment spaces and designated areas for mental health patients will have a positive impact on patient outcomes. Furthermore, the upgraded facilities will support the well-being of the hospital’s staff with new amenities and break room facilities.
The upgraded emergency department at Redcliffe Hospital is a testament to the commitment of both the Australian and Queensland governments to providing quality healthcare services. With its specialized paediatric section and increased treatment capacity, the hospital is now better equipped to serve the community and meet the growing demand for emergency care.
Published 26-June-2023
