Upgraded ED Promises Enhanced Experience At Waikato Hospital

Waikato Hospital’s
upgraded Emergency Department will ensure patients have an
improved experience and staff have a better working
environment.

The $3.3 million upgrade started in
October 2022 and was completed in early July.

Te Whatu
Ora Interim Lead Hospital and Specialist Services for
Waikato, Michelle Sutherland, said the changes create a more
comfortable environment which will help to reduce stress and
anxiety for those arriving at the hospital.

“Waikato
Hospital ED can be a very busy place, especially at this
time of the year, and these renovations make a big
difference,” said Sutherland.

“The ED arrivals and
reception area has been moved closer to the front entrance,
allowing us to engage with patients and triage them
immediately. We have also added assessment rooms in the
waiting areas, giving staff a functional and private space
to assess and treat patients.

“These changes allow
for better communication with patients and their whānau and
help improve the flow of patients throughout the
department.

“Our waiting area now provides more
space for patients and their whānau, and we have included a
small kitchen area where whānau can have a drink or light
snack.”

Waikato Hospital has one of the busiest
emergency departments in New Zealand, with around 84,000
presentations last
year.

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