07 October 2008

Sick kids to benefit from Emergency Department redesign

A new child-friendly area, located adjacent to the main emergency department at Sutherland Hospital has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the local community.
 
Dr Michael Golding Director of the Emergency Department at Sutherland Hospital said that the new facility provided a separate observation and treatment facility for children, with four paediatric beds, plus a paediatric procedure and resuscitation room.
 
”Specialised paediatric staff work in the facility, including a newly-appointed paediatric staff specialist who will provide paediatric emergency services,” Dr Golding said.
 
“This new area is equipped with the latest paediatric medical and monitoring equipment, and will also provide distraction therapy including entertainment equipment, a mural and colourful themes,” he said.
 
“Emergency departments can be very stressful and unpredictable places for sick and injured children, particularly during periods of peak demand.
 
“This separate child-friendly facility will assist young patients to cope with a painful or difficult procedure,” Dr Golding said.
 
Dr Golding said that in the past year there had been more than 37,520 presentations to the hospital’s emergency department, with 22 per cent of those patients children.
 
“The new paediatric area will greatly benefit young patients and their families and will provide privacy away from the busy main emergency department area,” Dr Golding said.
 
“Thanks to generous donations and local community support, Sutherland Hospital is now able to provide this area for the benefit of its young patients.”
 
 
 
Media enquiries: South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health
Media and Communications Officer Maxine Brennan, 9113 2601, 0413 028 776