Source: Waikato District Health Board
Renovations start next week (Monday 17 October) to Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) to provide a better experience for patients and visitors, and an improved working environment for staff.
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Waikato District Co-Director Chris Lowry said the project is intended to improve the triage process for people seeking care at the ED, and to reduce stress and anxiety for people arriving at hospital.
“We are creating a new entrance with an enquiries kiosk in clear view so they are the first port of call for people to go to for assistance.
“Patients and visitors will experience a more welcoming, helpful and time efficient arrival.
“There will be new triage areas with multiple assessment rooms and a much improved waiting area. This will help with the flow for people coming in.”
Ms Lowry said along with changes to the physical environment work is also underway to better communicate to people what is going on.
“We’re looking at ways to emphasise that when it comes to ED, what you see isn’t all that’s going on, for instance there may be people being brought in by ambulance or helicopter who are being triaged and may be in need of urgent care.”
ED will continue operating as normal during the renovations, although at times there will be some construction noise. There will hoardings in place with clear signage on where to go.
The upgrade is expected to be completed in April 2023.
