MEDIA RELEASE
The first stage of The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital’s new Emergency Department was officially opened today by the Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy.
From Tuesday 24 May, patients will be treated in the new Emergency Department, which will deliver timely and speciality clinical care to the Victorian community.
Eye and Ear Board Chair, Dr Sherene Devanesen, says the process to redevelop the Emergency Department was a significant effort.
“Our planning involved a wide range of consultation with staff from a number of disciplines, we also involved our patients, families and visitors as well as other key stakeholders,” Dr Devanesen says.
“By getting input from all levels, we made sure the redevelopment met the needs of our patients and consumers and also gave our staff the opportunity to have a say in designing a world-class, specialist eye, ear, nose and throat facility.”
The Eye and Ear’s Emergency Department sees around 40,000 patients a year.
Emergency Department Director, Dr Carmel Crock, says the new Emergency Department will be a more pleasant environment for patients, families, volunteers and staff.
“The new area is filled with natural light, the waiting area and staff base are much larger, there are more consulting rooms and the patient flow will be much more streamlined,” Dr Crock says.
“This will support our clinicians, nursing and clerical staff to provide dedicated patient centred care that will enhance the patient’s experience.”
Dr Crock says patients can get very anxious when attending the Eye and Ear’s Emergency Department.
“Patients are worried and fear they are going to go blind or lose their hearing permanently. Therefore, to have a brand new Emergency Department with a calming environment is so important.”
The Emergency Department is the first clinical area to be unveiled as part of the hospital’s overall redevelopment project, due to be complete in 2018.
The Eye and Ear have produced a short video showing the planning and progress of the construction of the new Emergency Department. Media outlets can access the footage here.
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About The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital is Victoria’s leading provider of eye and ear health, integrating clinical care, research and education to optimise innovation and provide advanced treatments for vision and hearing loss. The Eye and Ear cares for around 250,000 patients a year.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Daisy Smith
Media and Communications Coordinator
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Nicola Edwards
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital