A new surgical inpatient ward has been opened at Gold Coast University Hospital, to help meet increasing demand for emergency surgery.
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the opening of the ward on Level 6 would allow for trauma and acute general surgery patients to be cared for by specialist staff in the one ward.
“The demand for emergency surgery services continues to increase on the Gold Coast and in 2018-19 they performed 8514 emergency surgeries, an increase of 809 on the previous financial year.
“This new ward has 16 beds and will grow to 28 beds next year, to allow us to treat more patients than ever before.
“Prior to the opening of the new ward, orthopaedic and surgical patients were sometimes cared for in other wards across Gold Coast University Hospital.”
“Not only has this increased capacity, but also means more targeted care for patients.”
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the ward was part of the Government’s commitment to providing the best quality healthcare on the Gold Coast.
“Recently we announced 60 new treatment spaces on the Gold Coast,” Ms Scanlon said.
“This includes 40 beds at Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital plus 20 new treatment spaces in a dedicated stabilisation facility to assist people experiencing a mental health crisis.”
Gold Coast Health surgical clinical director Dr Martin Wullschleger said the surgical ward, was part of a project to improve the surgical journey for the most sick and injured patients.
“The neighbouring orthopaedic ward on Level 6 of C Block will co-locate orthopaedic-trauma patients,” Dr Wullschleger said.
“Co-location improves the patient experience with shorter hospital stays and efficient access to specialist medical, nursing and allied health staff.
“The Acute Surgical Unit has evolved its model of care to include a new senior surgeon, daily acute surgical operating lists and eight new beds in the theatre area where patients are prepared for surgery.
“This has resulted in higher patient satisfaction and better patient flow from the Emergency Department to theatres and our wards.”
Gold Coast Health’s award-winning trauma service was recently elevated to level-one trauma status by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in May 2019.
