A new 24-bed surgical ward at Sunshine Coast University Hospital has welcomed its first patients.
Nursing Director Ashleigh Coombs says the urology and gynaecology inpatient ward meant more patients will be able to receive elective surgery sooner.
“We will also have increased capacity to accommodate emergency cases,” Ms Coombs says.
“Although urology and gynaecology are pre-existing services within our hospital, they will now have a designated home ward enabling us to expand our services within those specialities.
Health Service chief executive Dr Peter Gillies says the additional 24 beds will also help relieve pressure on other departments where thoe patients were admitted previously.
“Overall, the new ward represents visible growth in the whole service group,” Dr Gillies says.
“We aim to open more theatre spaces, increase elective surgery bookings and improve the wait times for people in the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions.”
More than 30 full-time nurses are being recruited over the next three months to staff the new ward, with additional staff to expand the services in the operating theatre.
