New unit streamlines care and improves patient flow

A state-of-the-art $13 million, 33-bed ward to improve the flow of acutely unwell patients between the emergency department (ED) and specialist inpatient wards will be officially opened at Townsville University Hospital on Wednesday, 12 April.

The acute admission unit was funded under the Federal Government’s Community Health and Hospitals Program and is a joint initiative between the Commonwealth, the Queensland Government and the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

The unit was opened by Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride on Wednesday.

The new unit will provide 11 beds as single rooms and 22 beds in shared rooms and is expected to provide 12,045 bed days for patients over 12 months.

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney said the new unit meant patients presenting to the emergency department who required an inpatient bed would be transferred from the ED more quickly.

“Patients will move from the ED to the acute admission unit for further care until they can be safely transferred to specialist wards as required,” Mr Mooney said.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service acting chief executive Stephen Eaton said the new unit was a modern, fit-for-purpose space.

“Importantly, this new unit will help improve the flow of acute medical patients, ease the pressure on the hospital during peak demand, and free up beds in the ED,” he said.

“It’s an important step forward for the evolution of our hospital and great news for our community.”