The state government has announced it will commit an additional $6 million to western suburbs emergency departments to hire more staff, open more treatment spaces and improve patient flow.
Western Health will receive over $4.5 million of the funding to hire more doctors, nurses and allied health workers at Sunshine Hospital which the state government said will increase emergency department capacity, and improve ambulance offload times.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the new funding in Sunshine on 23 October.
“Our paramedics, nurses and doctors have never been busier. This investment means more support for them, faster care for Victorians – and ambulances back on the road sooner,” Ms Allan said.
“Families are flocking to Melbourne’s west and whether it’s opening Urgent Care Clinics, building new hospitals or hiring more doctors and nurses – we’re making sure they can get the care they need.”
As part of the funding, Western Health will recruit two discharge coordinators as well as additional nursing and support staff to help patients transition from hospital to home and free up beds, the state government said.
Western Health will also use the funding to expand their ‘fast-track’ model of care.
‘Fast-track’ cubicles allow for quicker assessment and discharge of patients with less serious injuries and illnesses.
The model helps to reduce wait times and improve patient flow for those arriving to hospitals via ambulances, the state government said.
As part of the model, additional clinical staff will be recruited to open the six overnight cubicles at Sunshine hospital.
Mercy Health will also receive over $1.5 million to establish the ‘fast-track’ model of care.
According to the state government, paramedics and emergency departments are facing record demand with paramedics responding to more than 98,000 code one callouts, and emergency departments having more than 513,200 presentations last quarter.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the investment will help improve response times and emergency care for locals.
“This is just another way that we are investing in emergency care to make sure all Victorians get the care they need, because in an emergency, every second counts,” Ms Thomas said.
