VICTOR HARBOR - Works on a million dollar upgrade of the South Coast District Hospital's emergency department (ED) start next week.
The upgrade will result in a larger and more comfortable waiting room, a new triage desk where patients arrive and are assessed, more treatment areas and a new x-ray machine.
The work, which is set to be completed by July 2012, is jointly funded by Country Health SA and community donations.
Health Minister John Hill said the upgrade will be a huge asset to Victor Harbor.
"Victor Harbor is a thriving community with a growing population which significantly increases over the holiday period," Minister Hill said.
"In fact during Easter and Christmas, the hospital's ED regularly sees more than double the usual amount of patients.
"Increasing the ED's capacity will benefit Victor Harbor's residents and the increasing tourist population."
The hospital's director of nursing Jill Cooper said the mobile x-ray machine with digital processing will mean faster x-ray development times and more accurate readings. Plus, patients won't have to take their x-rays to Flinders Medical Centre, as the hospital can send them digitally.
She said a low-stimulus or "quiet room" within the ED will be built for patients who may need or wish to be in isolation, for example a patient experiencing a psychotic episode, or someone who has been suddenly faced with severe trauma.
"It will be good... it's overdue and I feel it's a positive step to update hospital facilities", she said.
"We had hundreds (of patients) over Christmas... this will be better for patients as well as the doctors and nurses who work here."
It is hoped a mobile telemedicine unit will be installed. The unit has a camera and a monitor on it, which will allow medical practitioners to communicate with specialists remotely and get outside help, for example MedSTAR or the Flinders Medical Centre.
Dick Smith Electronics donated a television to the hospital last year for installation in the ED once it is upgraded.
During the first stage of construction, patients and visitors will be asked to access the ED through the hospital's main entrance on Bay Road.
Parking and dropping off spaces at the hospital will also be restricted during this stage and ambulances will also park at the front entrance to load and unload patients.
Patients who are booked in for routine procedures and appointments are advised to come to the hospital a little earlier than planned to avoid delays.
The hospital's reception staff can be contacted on 8552 0500 with any concerns in relation to the building works.
Email a friend