Warwick Hospital’s new emergency department was officially opened on Monday of this week by Darling Downs Health Board Chair Mike Horan AM.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the $3 million project had doubled the number of treatment bays from three to six beds.
“The new department features a specialised paediatric treatment bay, four new short stay beds and three triage spaces,” Mr Miles said.
“The refurbishment has also increased privacy for patients and improved work flow for staff members.”
The minister praised staff for their hard work during the project.
“Staff at Warwick Hospital work hard every day to ensure the very best patient care is delivered,” he said.
“And they worked equally as hard to deliver a new emergency department that suits their needs and the needs of their growing community.
“This new department future-proofs the hospital for the growth expected across the Southern Downs in the coming years.”
Mike Horan said demand for health services across the region is increasing.
“Each day the Warwick Hospital’s emergency department sees, on average, 56 patients,” he said.
“In the last financial year, 20,466 people attended Warwick’s ED seeking medical treatment for a range of complaints – everything from wound management to life-saving treatment due to accidents.
“Locally, there’s been a steady increase in more patients with serious life-threatening conditions presenting to the ED.
“Despite these complex cases and to their credit, emergency department staff have worked hard to increase the number of patients treated, discharged or admitted to hospital within clinically recommended timeframes.
“This new department will further support staff as they continue to provide excellent care to the people of the Southern Downs.”
