The new emergency department at St George Hospital is scheduled to open on Wednesday, October 15 about 8am.
It was designed in collaboration with clinicians to make the flow of patients as efficient as possible.
It has 60 beds, up from 49, and parking for eight ambulances.
An open day will be held at the new department on Saturday, August 30 from 10am to 2pm for the community to have a sneak peak.
Staff will be on hand to answer questions, and people can tour the massive facility at their own pace.
Emergency department director Trevor Chan said the new unit was very much what staff had envisaged for the future.
‘‘This whole build right from the beginning has been about what we’re going to see in five, 10 years’ time,’’ Dr Chan said.
The new department can be shut down remotely in the event of a major incident.
It has $5 million in equipment, including a $1 million CT scanner.
There are 14 fast track rooms with X-ray facilities for people who do not require admission.
Scales built into floors and lifters built into ceilings will reduce manual handling.
The ambulance bay has decontamination showers and direct entry in resuscitation.
The entire department has been colour-coded (including the furniture) to help visitors find their way around.
‘‘It’s making sure that the way the department has been designed can cope not only with the increase in presentations but as time goes by the changes in [patient care] models and technology,’’ Dr Chan said.
‘‘Beds will be opened depending on demand. One section might open in the afternoon but close again overnight and that’s how staffing will go depending on beds opened.’’
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is currently recruiting extra nurses, orderlies and clerical staff.
SAYING GOODBYE
The existing emergency department has been operating for about 21 years.
It sees about 67,000 patients each year, including 14,000 children.
It is not yet known what will happen to the old building, but staff are creating a time capsule of photos and staff rosters.
At least five staff have been with the existing department since it opened.
It is scheduled to close on Wednesday, October 15 about 8am.
People who present to emergency after this time will be directed or transferred to the new unit in Gray Street.
The hospital is working closely with Kogarah Council and the RMS to familiarise people with the new location.
The new department has a massive footprint. The walk along the corridor from start to end is about 100 metres.
What has been your experience of the St George Hospital emergency department?