Work underway for paediatric ED expansion

[MEDIA RELEASE]

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath visited the Townsville University Hospital yesterday, inspecting the progress on the Paynters project; a dedicated space for children in the emergency department.

The $1.6 million project, funded by the State Government, will create a dedicated paediatric area for children including a standalone waiting room and consolidated and connected treatment area with up to 12 beds.

Ms D’Ath said visiting a hospital can be scary and this project will provide a custom built, child friendly space within the emergency department.

“Hospitals can be scary places for unwell children when they are surrounded by big people and big machines,” she said.

“Townsville University Hospital’s ED staff already do an amazing job, so this redevelopment will help them to continue to provide exceptional care in an age-appropriate environment.

“It is exciting to be here today to see the early stages of the work and I can’t wait to come back when the area is finished in May.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney said about 1000 children present to Townsville University Hospital’s emergency department every month.

Mr Mooney said about one in five presentations to the ED in Townsville are children under 17.

“Every year we see more and more children and it is starting to get a bit cosy in our existing area,” he said.

“Having a dedicated area is so important because it means we have capacity to treat in an appropriate environment rather than in the main part of the department.”

The first phase of the project includes the construction of a new three bed paediatric bay as well as three additional adult beds.

Paynters North Qld team are due to complete the project  in May 2021.