Residents in Gawler and surrounding areas will have access to better emergency care, with a brand-new much bigger emergency department opening its doors on Monday.
The new $15 million Gawler Health Service Emergency Department has 15 beds – more than triple the capacity of the old ED.
It includes 12 adult acute treatment bays – a significant increase from four previously – as well as two new paediatric treatment bays – the first time these have been available at Gawler.
There will also be a negative pressure room, with a dedicated ante room and ensuite.
A patient resuscitation bay, a new hybrid procedure patient bay and contemporary patient admission and consulting spaces have also been completed.
A new triage area will enable patients to receive timely help in a more modern setting, while a low-stimulus room is also available for people requiring specialised care.
The new ED delivers the first part of the three-stage development at Gawler, with the remaining stages set to be completed mid-year.
The existing Short Stay Unit will be refurbished next as part of stage two of the redevelopment, offering patients updated facilities, while stage three will see the previous ED space transformed into new meeting and training rooms, quiet spaces, and workstations for staff.
The public will be able to access the building more comfortably, with the addition of an undercover arrivals area, dedicated entry and exit driveway for ambulances, and a 35-space car park.
The new emergency department will help improve patient flow through to the hospital’s inpatient wards, with capacity increased as a result of the Malinauskas Labor Government’s election commitment to permanently fund an additional 16 general medical beds.
As a result of Gawler’s growing activity, the Health Service has transitioned to a salaried medical model, establishing a specialist-led teaching and training service that has welcomed its first ever Trainee Medical Officer this month.
The hospital has also recruited four registered nurses and two registered midwives as part of the State Government’s 2024 Transition to Professional Practice Program.
Quotes
Attributable to Chris Picton
It’s fantastic to open this brand-new bigger and better emergency department for the Gawler community.
The new ED has more than three times as many beds as the old ED, helping locals access the emergency care that they need close to home.
Families will benefit from the introduction of tailored paediatric treatment bays to Gawler for the first time.
The growing Gawler community has been crying out for an improvement to its hospital for years and we’re proud to be delivering it.
Attributable to Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network interim Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Masters
As Gawler continues to grow, we expect to see increasing presentations at our hospital.
That’s why a larger, contemporary emergency department is essential for the healthcare needs of our community. We are delighted to be opening our new ED.
Attributable to Tony Piccolo MP, Member for Light
Our wonderful community deserves the best healthcare possible close to home.
I have been advocating for improved services for our community and this expanded emergency department is a very welcome addition.
The increase in ED bed numbers gives my community greater opportunity to receive emergency care when they need it on their doorstep.
