New Emegency Department one step closer

8 August 2011

The planned $2.5 million upgrade of Singleton Hospital’s emergency department is a step closer following the appointment of principal design consultants.

Newcastle-based firm Schreiber Hamilton Architecture will be responsible for developing the final, detailed designs and plans for the new ED and administering construction contracts for the project.

Lower Hunter Cluster General Manager Yvonne Patricks said the new emergency department is a major investment in health care for residents in Singleton and the surrounding areas.

“The appointment of the design team is an important step and brings this much needed project one step closer to reality,” Ms Patricks said.

The new emergency department will incorporate a new nurse triage area, resuscitation bay, acute treatment bay, treatment room and consult rooms, a room for mental health assessments, and a decontamination area. It will also include a paediatric play area, parenting room and new public toilets.

Singleton Health Service manager Wendy Mason-Jones said the design team will now work with clinicians, management and other stakeholders to develop detailed plans.

“Our staff and other stakeholders are the people who will ultimately be using the new facilities and we will be seeking their input to make sure the new department it meets their requirements,” she said.

Tenders for construction of the project are expected to be called by the end of the year with building to start in the early months of next year.

Singleton is one of Hunter New England Health’s busiest district or rural emergency departments.

More than 12,600 patients attended the emergency department in the 12 months to the end of March this year.

Singleton Hospital continues to perform well and provide excellent care for patients, according to the latest data from the NSW Bureau of Health Information.

The emergency department performed above benchmark for patient treatment across most categories.

The hospital also performed well in elective surgery waiting times, with 100 per cent of patients receiving their surgery within the clinically recommended timeframe.

Media inquiries: Frances Holz on (02) 4939 2216 or 0432 000 087 (HNE-2597)

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216