New-look hospital ED worth the wait
Almost 28,000 people have presented to the Geraldton Hospital emergency department in the past 12 months.
A recent survey showed more than half of the ED’s visitors had been confused by the triage system or were concerned other patients seemed to “push in” ahead of those already waiting.
Now management hopes patients will no longer be confused by their ED visit.
Feedback from patients and staff resulted in changes to the digital message in the ED waiting room, relocation of signs and the addition of posters and a digital slideshow to explain the triage process.
The waiting room also has fresh paintwork.
“The improvements will assist the community with navigating the Emergency Department and the addition of the artwork will enhance the environment,” Geraldton Hospital’s acting operations manager Jeff Calver said.
Since a “four-hour rule” was introduced across the State in 2010 to reduce ED waiting times, Geraldton Hospital had worked hard to cut ED waiting times.
Mr Calver said about 86 per cent of patients were seen within a four-hour timeframe, which was up from 75 per cent 18 months ago.
The hospital achieved 90 per cent in December and January.
“We’re doing the best we can with the facilities we have,” he said.
“Our target is to have 90 per cent of people seen and discharged, or referred to the ward or other services, within four hours.”
WA Health is signatory to the National Emergency Access Target, which requires public hospitals to achieve 90 per cent ED patient turnarounds within four hours by the end of 2015.
