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Walcha emergency department pilot a success
25 February 2009
An innovative emergency department pilot will continue to streamline emergency care for Walcha residents.
The pilot project was trialled in 2008, and allowed patients classified at the lower clinical priority - known as a Level 4 or Level 5 under the Australian Triage Standards - to be treated quickly through the emergency department by a senior nurse rather than waiting for an on-call GP to attend the emergency department.
Walcha MPS Health Service Manager Kristine Smith said the emergency department model has been highly successful and has the full support of the Walcha MPS staff, Walcha’s dedicated VMO GPs and the community.
“The results mean a more streamlined journey through the ED for Walcha residents who present with afflictions such as a simple cold or small cut, a greater role for nurses in the emergency department and a better quality of life for Walcha’s two GPs,” Ms Smith said.
This project was spearheaded by Walcha GP VMO Dr Adrian Allen as a means of improving after-hours life for rural doctors and giving highly-experienced country nurses an opportunity to take on more responsibility in the emergency department.
“I’m pleased with the project, I’ve worked in the Walcha for 20 years and I was keen to improve lifestyle for rural doctors,” Dr Allen said.
“I’ve had less calls after-hours, so it’s improved my enjoyment of rural practice.
“But more importantly this project is an example of how we may be able to attract and retain young doctors to rural areas in the future, while continuing to provide a high standard of care to the community.”
The new model of care has also allowed Walcha’s nursing staff, including RN Anna Gibson, to up-skill.
“Everyone’s been really pleased – including the people who’ve come through the emergency department,” Anna said.
“Often they are seeking a healthcare professional – not necessarily a doctor – so it’s allowed us to take on more responsibility and broaden our scope of practice.”
Walcha Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) member Gerry Moran said the LHAC had received only positive feedback from the community.
“The LHAC is very happy with the pilot – we haven’t received any negative feedback from the community,” Mr Moran said.
“Walcha has worked hard to retain its GPs, and the revised emergency department arrangement will support our efforts.”
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767
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