Griffith Base Hospital has officially marked the opening of its new $1.9 million Emergency Department Short Stay Unit (EDSSU).
The Short Stay Unit is designed to enhance patient experience in the emergency department (ED) by providing focused, short-term care for patients who require observation, assessment, or treatment usually between four to 24 hours.
The EDSSU is intended for patients requiring short-term observation or further investigation to determine the severity of their condition such as, minor head injury and infections or for those needing a brief course of treatment for conditions likely to resolve quickly such as, asthma, allergic reactions and renal colic.
The EDSSU is designed to improve patient flow and patient experience by providing a dedicated space for short-term care. This supports timelier treatment, reduces time spent in the ED and helps avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
By improving flow through the ED, the EDSSU will support increased capacity and help reduce congestion across the service.
The EDSSU has seven beds, including an isolation room with ensuite. The staff station is centralised in the unit so that staff have a clear view to observe all patients.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the milestone, recognising the dedication and collaboration of staff involved in bringing the new unit online.
The opening of the EDSSU is part of the staged commissioning of the new $250 million Griffith Base Hospital and follows the expansion of operating theatre services.
The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals and more beds with more staff to meet the growing health needs of the community and ease pressure on our hospitals.
This includes half a billion dollars invested to relieve pressure on our emergency departments, including initiatives such as short stay unit treatment spaces to improve patient flow, as well as alternative pathways to care outside of the hospital so that people can potentially avoid an unnecessary wait in a hospital.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"I would like to acknowledge Murrumbidgee Local Health Service's commitment to delivering this next stage of service expansion in the new Griffith Base Hospital.
"The EDSSU will enhance ED capacity, streamline patient flow, and improve patient experience.
"The dedicated, more comfortable environment of the EDSSU supports improved patient experience for patients requiring short-term care in an ED."
Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Murray Helen Dalton:
"This new Emergency Department Short Stay Unit is another important step forward for healthcare in Griffith and across the western Riverina.
"I've spent years fighting for better health services in the bush because country families deserve timely, high-quality care close to home.
"I know how hard our healthcare workers have worked through enormous pressure over many years and this milestone reflects the persistence of staff, clinicians, community advocates and residents who never stopped pushing for improved services.
"This is a very proud moment for Griffith."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva MLC:
"The opening of the EDSSU follows on from the expansion of operating theatres and the completion of the new carpark and main entry.
"The full Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment project remains on track for completion this year."
Quotes attributable to Griffith Base Hospital General Manager Joanne Garlick:
"The Emergency Department Short Stay Unit is a welcome addition to Griffith Base Hospital and is designed for patients who require less than 24 hours in hospital.
"The unit will play an important role in improving patient flow and supporting timely, appropriate care."
Quotes attributable to Griffith Base Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director Dr Emmanuel Jeyarajah:
"The Emergency Department Short Stay Unit is a comfortable and purpose-designed space for patients with short-term care needs who do not require a traditional inpatient ward admission, such as those needing minor procedures, observation or rehydration.
"Early outcomes indicate a high level of patient satisfaction, with the majority of patients able to be assessed, treated and discharged without moving to a traditional ward.
"This model of care supports improved patient flow through the Emergency Department while maintaining a strong focus on safety, efficiency and quality clinical care."
