Maryborough Hospital Acting Nursing Director Garry Houston and Fraser Coast Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine Ben Croton speak with Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders about the opening of the new Short Stay Unit.
A new seven-bed Short Stay Unit at Maryborough Hospital has opened this week providing additional support to patients closer to their homes.
The Short Stay Unit will allow more patients to receive short-term care at Maryborough Hospital, instead of being transferred to Hervey Bay Hospital.
Typically, the Short Stay Unit will treat patients requiring a one to two-day hospital stay.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the Short Stay Unit and accompanying additional 23 health staff are a welcome addition to Maryborough Hospital.
“We are committed to providing the best care possible to the people of Queensland and are pleased that the opening of the Short Stay Unit will provide greater access to care for the Maryborough community," Ms D'Ath said.
“With a multidisciplinary team including medical officers, nursing, allied health, administration and operational staff, the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service will be able to increase the treatment provided from Maryborough Hospital.”
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the Short Stay Unit would deliver for the Maryborough community.
“The Short Stay Unit will provide invaluable care for the Maryborough community," Mr Saunders said.
“I will always advocate for the Maryborough Hospital and my community who rely on it.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said the health service team had been working hard to increase capacity and improve the flow of patients through its hospitals.
“The new Short Stay Unit will benefit not only those in Maryborough, but the Hervey Bay community too, as fewer patients will require transfer to Hervey Bay Hospital to receive appropriate care.
“The Queensland Ambulance Service will also have greater ability to respond to emergency calls across the Fraser Coast, as there will be a reduction in the number of patients transferred by ambulance between Maryborough and Hervey Bay hospitals.”
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
The Short Stay Unit supports patients requiring observation and monitoring, as well as those with medical conditions that have escalated or need treatment and management. An Emergency Department consultant will provide medical oversight and be responsible for decision making in the new space, ensuring that patients receive appropriate and safe care while remaining in the region.