Werribee Mercy has welcomed the installation of a temporary emergency department short stay unit, set to increase capacity in the hospital.
The temporary building was last week craned into the north-east corner of the premises, near the Hoppers Lane carpark.
The short stay unit will provide an additional 24 beds for non-critical patients requiring the emergency department and need further observation before being either discharged or admitting.
It is hoped that the unit will help reduce waiting times and ensure limited beds in the emergency department are saved for patients who need them the most.
Werribee Mercy Hospital’s general manager Maree Pane says the short stay spaces located inside the existing emergency department will be moved into the modular building.
“This temporary unit will be ideal for patients who might present with a sprained ankle or a broken wrist.
“It will be good for patients who need some medical care but are unlikely to need admission to a ward,” Ms Pane said.
Health Services chief executive Adjunct Professor Jason Payne says the short stay unit will be a good temporary solution for the growing community in Melbourne’s west.
“The temporary unit highlights that we have the space available for an expansion and the State Government’s willingness to identify a short term opportunity demonstrates that it understands the critical need for both expansion and investment in the Wyndham corridor,” Adj Prof Payne said.
Mercy Health will recruit new medical, nursing and allied health leaders for the short stay unit, including a medical director, a nurse unit manager and more nurses, allied health, clerical and environmental services staff.
The short stay unit is expected to be ready for use in late July or early August.
