Almost 6,000 patients have passed through the doors of the Robina Transfer Unit since it opened in April this year as part of the Robina Emergency Department (ED) Expansion.
That’s an average of 35 to 40 patients per day.
The transfer unit moved to a new space as part of the expansion and works in tandem with the ED, providing a specialised space to assist with patient flow.
Since opening, the new unit has helped alleviate some of the pressures faced by the Robina Hospital ED, one of Queensland's busiest EDs, which saw over 63,000 presentations last year.
The Robina Transfer Unit supports the transfer of patients from the ED and other wards, ensuring beds are available for patients in need of critical care.
This approach helps reduce patient wait times, alleviates some pressure across the hospital and frees up essential treatment spaces.
Robina Transfer Unit Nurse Unit Manager Helena Anne Moore said the transfer unit had become a vital space.
“Everything we do at the Robina Transfer Unit is focused is on delivering personalised patient care, as this service provides the final step before patients transition home or to a nursing facility,” Helena said.
“This beautiful unit, with a dedicated area to call our own, has made a remarkable difference in our daily work experience.”
Works in the expansion also included an extra 20 emergency treatment spaces, with more than 25,000 patient presentations already managed since it opened in March.
Another service helping with patient flow is the new Patient Shuttle Service, supported by the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation and based at the Robina Transfer Unit.
Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients, the Robina Transfer Unit shuttle service was given a 12-month extension.
The service was originally launched as a six-month trial and was set to conclude in November 2024.
This service has transported 1,037 Gold Coast residents’ home, helping to improve the patient experience and reducing health service costs by about $249,608 between April and October 2024.
Enrolled Nurse at the Robina Transfer Unit Kristi Brayshaw said introducing the shuttle service significantly reduced transport costs, particularly taxi fees.
“Within the first six weeks of operation, we calculated a cost reduction of about $47,000 for Gold Coast Health,” Kristi said.
“With five key staff managing the service, we now have a dedicated shuttle hub conveniently located outside the entrance of the Robina Transfer Unit.
“On average, we handle 8 to ten bookings per day, with some days reaching full capacity, depending on the hospital’s patient flow.
“For us, it’s all about providing holistic care and improving patient flow throughout the hospital.”
Gold Coast resident Peter Morris said he depends on the transfer unit and the patient shuttle.
“Coming out of dialysis three times a week is always exhausting, but I know I have the shuttle bus to get me home safely,” Peter said.
“After spending four and a half hours here, it's a comforting feeling knowing I have this service available to me.
“As a regular user of the transfer unit and the shuttle ride home, the people involved make all the difference, they’re very good to me here.”
Chief Operating Officer at Gold Coast Hospital Foundation Joe Hanlon said the patient shuttle service is a significant project for the foundation to support because it reaches right into the homes of patients.
“The feedback from the trial has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how invaluable this service is in enhancing the overall patient experience and the quality of care they receive,” Joe said.
