Emergency department work starts

10 October 2011

Refurbishments to Scone hospital’s emergency department begin today and are expected to be completed by mid-2012.

From today, a temporary emergency department will operate from the Walter Pye ward and there will be a new emergency department entry.

Scott Memorial Hospital manager Judy Bernasconi said the area will be well signposted.

“We will have 24-hour access available via the main door to the Walter Pye ward, which is located adjacent to the main hospital car park,” she said.

“There will be no access to the existing emergency department area from Monday.  It will be a construction zone and as such, visitors and patients may notice some noise and disruption.

“We are asking people for their patience, co-operation and support as we work through the project as quickly as possible.

“We will have access to the same number of beds for emergency care, it will just be provided in a different area.”

Improving the comfort and care of patients is the main aim of the refurbishment, which will cost about $350,000. The funds have been provided by the NSW Government in line with recommendations to help improve the comfort and care of women who may be experiencing problems in early pregnancy.

Key improvements will include a designated triage and reception area, a redesigned waiting area with improved seating, new public toilets, including facilities inside the emergency department itself and in the waiting area for people with a disability.

“We will be making a number of changes, including a special consultation room that will provide privacy and dignity for patients,” Ms Bernasconi said.

“The changes also mean our staff will be able to view the whole waiting room and if necessary, the emergency department can be fully secured.”

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216