Maitland Hospital Expands Emergency Short Stay Unit to Full 7-Day Operation

9 October 2024

Maitland Hospital’s Emergency Department Short Stay Unit (EDSSU) has now extended its services to a full seven-day-a-week operation, marking a significant milestone in enhancing emergency care for the region. This expansion follows the recruitment of 16 new full-time staff, allowing the unit to boost its capacity and reduce emergency department (ED) wait times.

The EDSSU, which opened in June 2024, plays a critical role in providing short-term treatment and observation for patients who do not require a prolonged hospital stay. Since its opening, the unit has seen impressive growth in patient numbers, treating 438 people in September 2024, up from 278 in June 2024.

Funded as part of the NSW Government’s $70 million ED Relief Package, Maitland’s EDSSU is designed to help ease congestion in the hospital’s emergency department. With its expanded hours, the unit has already contributed to a 6% improvement in treatment times across all triage categories, alongside a 19% increase in ambulance transfer efficiency, ensuring that patients are seen more quickly.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “The ED Short Stay Unit at Maitland is vital for improving patient flow throughout the hospital. The increase to seven-day operations reflects our commitment to supporting the region’s growing healthcare needs.”

Local Member Jenny Aitchison also praised the expansion, adding, “This is a fantastic step forward for our community. The additional staff and extended hours are making a real difference in how quickly patients can receive care.”

Jenny Martin, Acting General Manager of Maitland Hospital, acknowledged the efforts of the healthcare team, stating, “We are grateful for the community’s support as we work to enhance our services. Our staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the unit’s success, and we are confident that these improvements will continue.”

The hospital encourages residents with non-life-threatening conditions to seek advice from Healthdirect at 1800 022 222 for around-the-clock health support.

Maitland Hospital’s commitment to improving emergency care is clear, with the expansion of the EDSSU poised to deliver ongoing benefits to both patients and healthcare staff.