By Alesha Capone
Werribee Mercy Hospital is becoming busier than ever, but still meeting its key performance targets, new state government data shows.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Jenny Mikakos last week released hospital performance data for the December 2019 quarter.
During the three months, Werribee Mercy admitted 10,950 patients – 819 more than the previous 12 months.
Overall, 5566 patients were admitted to the hospital for same-day treatment – up 395 from the December 2018 quarter.
The hospital’s emergency department admitted 4346 patients – an increase of 588 patients.
A total of 12,378 patients came through the emergency department in the December quarter.
The hospital treated all category one patients, which are classified as the most urgent medical emergencies, such as life-threatening illnesses, immediately upon their arrival in the emergency department.
Werribee Mercy also provided operations to 100 per cent of the category one urgent elective surgery patients within the state government’s benchmark of 30 days, including half of these patients within 12 days – four days faster than the previous quarter.
In August 2018, Werribee Mercy Hospital officially opened a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit as part of a $93 million dollar expansion, allowing it to care for more patients from across the west.
Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Director of Maternity Services, Dr Jacqueline Van Dam, said that in recent years, the hospital had seen a growth in the presentation of multicultural patients, including maternity patients.
“To ensure the comfort and safety of our multicultural patients, we have seen an increase in the use of our interpreter services,” she said.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said: “Victoria’s hospitals and ambulance service have seen some great results this quarter despite increasing demand and additional pressure – and I thank staff in Werribee for all their hard work.”
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said: “Our incredible paramedics, doctors, nurses and other health workers in Wyndham have a tough job to do and they’re doing it well – giving locals the very best care, close to home.”
Altona MP Jill Hennessy said that health staff and paramedics worked hard to provide high-quality care as quickly as possible.
