Lake Macquarie patients should benefit from new critical medical equipment, which will alleviate pressure on the Emergency Department (ED) at Belmont Hospital.
That’s according to Swansea MP Yasmin Catley, who’s fought hard for the funding assistance in recent times.
The local member wrote to NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard requesting finance to acquire three reclining chairs for the ED, as well as a Lucas auto CPR machine.
The seats, worth about $7,000 each, will allow the Emergency Department to increase its capacity to treat people “in times of surge”.
And, the Lucas machine delivers better patient outcomes compared to manual chest compressions.
Belmont Hospital will now join the John Hunter Hospital, Calvary Mater and Maitland Hospital as facilities within the Hunter New England Local Health District to boast the auto CPR equipment.
The most recent Bureau of Health Information outlined the pressure on the Belmont Hospital Emergency Department with only 61.5% of patients present at emergency beginning treatment on time.
This is not only below the state average but is the lowest percentage on record.
“This is critical funding to help take the pressure off our frontline health workers,” Ms Catley said.
“We know that our hospitals are under immense pressure that is not just leading to poorer patient outcomes.
“It is also resulting in burnout for our frontline health workers.
“The latest data showing the percentage of Emergency Department patients beginning treatment on time is the lowest on record.
“Sadly, this is not an issue that arose overnight but over the past decade.
“I am glad to see the Health Minister took on board the concerns of the community and provided this funding.
“However, more needs to be done to address the structural issues with our health system.”
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