Patients needing hospital treatment that is expected to take less than 24 hours will be cared for at the new St John of God Ballarat Hospital short stay unit.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $5 million unit, which is attached to the SJOG emergency department, opened for patient transfers on August 1.
Treating patients in the new facility frees up beds and resources in the emergency department.
The Short Stay Unit consists of 11 private rooms, each having its own amenities including ensuite bathrooms and televisions. There is also a communal area where visiting families can relax while their loved one is receiving treatment.
The opening of the Short Stay Unit, following a five-month build, will allow emergency department staff to admit patients to the short stay beds rather than the general ward, freeing up additional beds within the hospital for surgical and other cases.
SJOG Ballarat chief executive Alex Demidov said as stress on emergency departments continued to increase, the need to expand hospital facilities was essential.
"The creation of this new unit has come in response to community need," Mr Demidov said.
The hospital has recorded a 6 per cent year-on-year increase in presentations to its private emergency department.
"We believe the short stay unit will well improve patient flow through the ED, so our doctors and nurses can provide the very best care possible for our patients and the community," Mr Demidov said.
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
