Reducing Pressure On The Ch Emergency Department

“Health Cuts Hurt believes that current extensive advertising to ask Cantabrians to only come to the Emergency Department if there is a real emergency, will not be effective unless accompanied by moves to reduce demand - such as a free GPs clinic opposite the ED,” Chairperson of patient lobby group, Health Cuts Hurt, Eleanor Carter said today.

“Our group believes that one reason for the high incidence of ‘unnecessary’ visits to the ED is the existence of the barrier of costs of visiting a doctor,” said Eleanor Carter. “This is not a criticism of the current After Hours Surgery in Bealey Avenue, which we understand is seen as providing a good 24 hour service.”

“If elected, our group would be encouraging the Canterbury District Health Board to consider such a proposal as part of a plan to completely rid Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department of understaffing and overcrowding,” said Eleanor Carter.

“The currently underway Project Red (Rejuvenating ED) aims to have no episodes of orange or red gridlock at Christchurch Hospital,” said Eleanor Carter. “It also aims to have an ED which ‘seldom’ has patients crowding the corridors, and to address items raised in previous reports. This is good but not enough.”

“While we are prepared to look at the ‘lean thinking’ methods being used to improve patient waiting times and reduce length of stay, our group feels that a much bigger capital investment and funding change is required,” said Eleanor Carter. “That is why we are calling for a ‘wow factor’ ED and an investigation of a free GPs Surgery over the road.”

Ends

© Scoop Media