A FIRST LOOK INSIDE GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL’S NEW SHORT STAY UNIT

State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson has welcomed the opening of the new Emergency Department Short Stay Unit at Grafton Base Hospital, describing it as an important improvement for patients while the hospital’s major redevelopment continues.

Mr Williamson was given the opportunity earlier this week to have a look inside the new six-bed unit, which is now treating patients requiring short-term care, observation or investigation.

“This is a really positive addition to Grafton Base Hospital and it was great to have the opportunity to see the new unit for myself,” Mr Williamson said.

“The six-bed facility will help patients who need short-term treatment get the care they need without necessarily requiring a traditional inpatient admission.

“It should also help reduce the amount of time people spend in the Emergency Department and improve patient flow across the hospital.”

The Short Stay Unit is designed for patients likely to spend less than 24 hours in hospital, including those requiring minor procedures, observation, investigation or treatment such as rehydration.

Mr Williamson said the unit also provided a glimpse of what is to come as the $283.8 million Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment moves ahead.

“This is just one part of a much bigger transformation of Grafton Base Hospital,” he said.

“The permanent redevelopment will deliver a new nine-bed Emergency Department Short Stay Unit as part of a new acute services building, along with an expanded Emergency Department, new medical imaging and MRI services, a new inpatient unit and significant expansion of the operating suite.

“The redevelopment will also deliver a new purpose-built maternity unit, following the additional $20 million announced in this year’s NSW Budget.

“For the Clarence Valley, this is a major investment in the future of health care, and importantly, it will provide modern facilities for both patients and the dedicated staff who work at Grafton Base Hospital.

“I look forward to continuing to see this project progress and delivering the modern hospital our community deserves.”

PHOTO: Richie with L-R: Beau Eichmann, Enrolled Nurse (EN), Dr Will Davies, Emergency Department (ED) Director, Brianan Jones, Acting Nurse Unit Manager 3 (NUM3), Jaimee Gray, Registered Nurse (RN) & Billy Sampson, RN.