The Alfred’s multi-million-dollar Emergency & Trauma Centre upgrade complete
The Alfred has increased its capacity to care for the state’s sickest and most severely injured patients thanks to a multi-million-dollar upgrade of the Eva and Les Erdi Emergency and Trauma Centre.
As one of only two adult trauma services in the state, The Alfred’s specialist emergency team treats around 1500 major trauma patients annually from all over Victoria. By 2021, that number is expected to grow to 2000 – an increase of seven per cent each year.
The redesigned centre, which was officially opened today by Victorian Minister for Health Jill Hennessy MP and Premier Dan Andrews, offers more treatment spaces, more privacy for patients and expanded radiology services. The redevelopment also includes an additional fifth trauma bay to accommodate the growing number of critically injured patients needing lifesaving intervention.
Associate Professor de Villiers Smit, Director of The Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre, said his team plays a vital role in supporting the early phase of care for the highest acuity patients in the state.
“What The Alfred has now is an emergency and trauma centre that was redesigned to meet the needs of the way our staff work,” A/Prof Smit said.
“Our team is leading the way in emergency and trauma care globally and it’s great to now have a space that matches our modern and unique approach to care.”
Every year, the centre sees more than 67,000 patients – including 22 trauma patients every day. During peak times, this number is significantly higher.
Alfred Health Chief Executive Professor Andrew Way said this significant redevelopment was essential to meet the needs of a growing community, and was made possible by generous community support.
“This redevelopment would not have been possible without the generosity of the late Mrs Eva Erdi through the Eva and Les Erdi Humanitarian Charitable Foundation, Mrs Betty and Mr John Laidlaw AO, and countless others. It is heartening to see the outstanding work of our frontline emergency staff recognised in this way,” Professor Way said.
“Our community is growing and so is the number of people needing top emergency care. The care we are providing to patients is becoming more complex, with even better outcomes. This new space, supported by state-of-the-art technology, will enable us to continue to deliver those outcomes to Victorian’s who need our care for years to come.”
Benefits of The Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre redevelopment include:
- Eight new purpose-built Rapid Intervention and Treatment Zone cubicles
- Additional trauma bay for critically ill patients
- A bigger clinical area to treat minor injuries and illnesses
- Expanded radiology services including x-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound to provide faster diagnosis and treatment
- A new clinical space specifically designed to safely treat mentally ill and drug affected patients
- Refurbished and expanded general cubicles
- A major upgrade of the emergency department information system including development of an electronic emergency and trauma medical record.
