The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) has welcomed the release of the masterplan for the next stages of the ongoing redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital, saying the arrangements bode well for the delivery of high quality emergency health care.
ACEM Tasmania Faculty Chair Dr Marielle Ruigrok said: “It is positive that there is a recognition that the size of the emergency department needs to increase and of the prospect of having an emergency department which includes both a dedicated mental health area and a paediatric precinct.
“These are great improvements for our patients.”
Dr Ruigrok said she hoped the $91 million allocated to the next stage of the redevelopment was sufficient, calling for assurances “that this will be an emergency department rebuild – not a renovation”.
“Along with continued clinical engagement, we hope more money will be found to ensure the Royal Hobart Hospital emergency department is rebuilt to be consistent with contemporary Australian emergency department standards,” Dr Ruigrok said.
Background
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards.
