Mater Hospital Springfield’s emergency department is on track to see more than 600 patients in its first week – helping to ease demand on frontline health services in Ipswich, Brisbane and Logan.
The emergency department and paediatrics unit at the new hospital opened on Monday morning, completing the 186-bed facility’s six-week phased opening.
Mater Hospital Springfield General Manager Suzanne Hawksley said the emergency department’s opening was a milestone moment for the community and Mater.
“For the first time, the Springfield community can access critical health services close to their homes,” Ms Hawksley said.
“We’re reducing stress, expense and delays for patients and their families, while also easing the pressure on other hospitals in the region.
“It’s a milestone for Springfield and Mater and I’m so proud of the outstanding clinical teams who are delivering these vital services.”
The emergency department opened at 10am on Monday and treated 80 patients throughout the day, including 24 who arrived by ambulance. More than 90 patients a day have been seen since Tuesday.
Springfield resident and retired nurse Eteva Andrews, 84, arrived just 15 minutes after the department opened on Monday and was diagnosed with a severe attack of gout.
“I couldn’t stand on my leg because it was so painful and my daughter brought me in,” Ms Andrews said.
“The staff here have been so good and they all have big smiles – I love these guys!
“I signed a petition saying we needed a hospital here in Springfield and I’m so glad that we now have one.”
Springfield's Eteva Andrews with Mater AIN Jade Grant in Mater Hospital Springfield's new ED.
After being assessed in the emergency department, Ms Andrews was admitted to a medical ward for further treatment.
Assistant in Nursing Jade Grant, who joined Mater Hospital Springfield two weeks ago, was among the team caring for Ms Andrews.
“There has been a lot of teamwork and pulling together to open this brand new department,” she said.
“There’s already a lot of camaraderie among the staff and it’s been fun – as well as hard work.”
Dr Ben Butcher, the hospital’s Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine, said almost 60 doctors had been recruited to support the new emergency department.
“It’s a modern, spacious ED supported by a great clinical team,” he added.
Premier David Crisafulli and the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, officially opened Mater Hospital Springfield last week.
The hospital was built and is being operated through a partnership between Mater and the Queensland Government, which has announced funding of $638 million over four years to deliver public healthcare services at the hospital.
As well as emergency and paediatrics care, other new services at Mater Hospital Springfield include an Intensive Care Unit, six operating theatres and birthing and maternity services.
Almost 1000 staff will be employed at the nine-storey facility, including 335 nurses, 65 midwives and 135 doctors.
