July 30, 2010
Ballarat Health Services' (BHS) $4.9 million Emergency Department redevelopment will reach a milestone on Monday.
The new entrance, located next to the existing entrance in Mair St, will be open for emergency patients.
BHS Chief Executive Officer Andrew Rowe says the new triage area - where people are assessed to determine the urgency of medical treatment - will be ready to take patients and a new waiting area will also be complete.
Mr Rowe reminds patients and family members that construction works are continuing on the eight-bed short stay unit, new patient observation area and five fast-track bays.
"Everything has been done to ensure the transition to the new Emergency Department entrance, triage and waiting area is as smooth as possible, but patients may experience a certain level of noise and disruption as works continue on this vital project," he says.
"BHS must expand the Emergency Department to care for more patients as demand continues to increase, and we thank people in advance for their patience and understanding."
Mr Rowe says people requiring non-urgent medical attention may wish to contact their General Practitioner in the first instance during the coming weeks.
The Emergency Department redevelopment is expected to be complete in September, and all visitors and outpatients must access the Base Hospital via the Drummond St entrance.
