News

Transit lounge smooths hospital journey

Thu, 30 Jul 2015 11:57:00

Mildura Base Hospital is trialling a “transit lounge” initiative to streamline the journey for patients into and out of the hospital medical and surgical wards.

The Transit Lounge was implemented in Wards Two and Three earlier this month and MBH Nurse Unit Manager Kristjan Hobbs said it would be trialled for three months.
“The service aims to improve the experience of patients when it comes time for them to leave the hospital and go home,” Mr Hobbs said.
“From the hospital’s point of view, it will also improve the flow of patients right through the hospital because it will free up beds earlier in the day to allow patients to be admitted.”
Mr Hobbs said the Transit Lounge is in a central area of Ward Two which is safe and supervised and from where all suitable adult patients from Wards Two and Three would be discharged.
“Often patients are ready to leave the hospital, but are still waiting for medication, a discharge summary or other documents or for someone to come to pick them up,” he said.
“Whereas previously they would have waited in their room, many are happier and more comfortable to have a cup of tea and something to eat in a lounge area while they wait.”
Mr Hobbs said the trial would be implemented for three months and feedback would be gathered from patients and staff before a decision was made whether to implement the service permanently.