More than $1.7 million in upgrades to Gold Coast University Hospital’s triage areas are now complete, assisting to further support patient safety and streamline offloading ambulance arrivals in Queensland’s busiest emergency department (ED).
In the last financial year, more than 204,500 patients presented to Gold Coast Health EDs; a rise of more than 8.6 percent.
The number of ambulance arrivals also increased by 5.3 percent to more than 67,700.
The increase reflects growing demand for emergency care, indicative of an ageing population, and a 15.7 percent rise in Category 1 and 2 patients – life-threatening cases requiring complex care.
Gold Coast Health Chief Executive Ron Calvert said these works will prioritise staff and patient safety, support flow, and improve performance targets.
“At Gold Coast Health, no patients are ever left in the back of an ambulance,” Mr Calvert said.
“The new stretcher bays ensure ambulance arrivals have additional dedicated spaces for patient transfers.
“These works will streamline patient offloading, providing new bays for efficient patient transfers and custom-built space for those requiring urgent mental health support.”
Following extensive consultation with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), paramedics at GCUH are now relocated to a freestanding external structure, complete space for breaks and administrative tasks.
The purpose-built area provides a quiet, distraction-free space for paramedics, and supports internal expansion.
Stage 2 focused on a reconfigured triage and patient transfer area.
The reconfigured triage area includes seven new stretcher bays fitted with duress buttons, access to emergency suction, oxygen and medical air.
A separate, dedicated space for patients experiencing mental health concerns or those needing a low stimulus area, has also been built to ensure safe and compassionate care continues across the health service.
Gold Coast Health Emergency Care Services Clinical Director Hayley Frieslich said the upgrades are vital to meet growing demand.
“On average, we see more than 560 presentations across the health service each day, including Tugun Minor Injuries and Illness Centre,” Dr Frieslich said.
“These upgrades are a significant step in ensuring that presenting patients have access to effective and efficient emergency care services.”
Gold Coast Health is committed to improving patient safety, wait times and services for the community through innovative initiatives and infrastructure.
An upgrade of Robina Hospital’s ED triage and QAS patient transfer areas is also underway, due for completion later this year. These new works complement the expansion of Robina’s emergency department, which included the addition of 20 treatment spaces in March 2024.
