TAYLOR ROWE
An Australian first has been unveiled this week with the Royal Brisbane Hospital introducing a state-of-the-art PACH system designed to aid in the management of patient flow within metro-north hospitals.
PACH is a regulator that provides a birds-eye observation of patient demand, patient flow and hospital bed volume across 2300 beds.
Medical Director of PACH, Dr Liz Rushbrook explained how vigilant the research team has to work in order to ensure the efficiency of the emergency system.
“We look very carefully at where our patients come from and we are working hard to make sure the emergency system is smooth and effective,” she said.
Real time information about the 2-3000 hospital beds, patient movements and discharges will correlate with the flow of the entire hospital and ultimately relocate nurses to fuller sectors.
“We’ve also been able to bring in additional staff as required, as well as coordinating workflow with our colleagues at the QAS, reducing waiting times in EDs and making the most of existing hospital capacity such as freeing up acute care beds for patients who need them most,” Dr Rushbrook said.
The pressure on the emergency departments is increasing and this is where PACH allows the load to be shared among hospitals and community services.
Cameron Dick clarifies the significance of the program and if it is effective then expansion is on the horizon.
“…If it works to be successful, we will look at expanding across Australia.”
Flu season is on the rise and for the first time preparation is happening in advance to ensure patients are back in the community as soon as possible.
Queensland Health has advised people to stay at home if they feel sick due to the flu.
Queenslanders can also call 13 HEALTH on 13432584 and speak to a registered nurse for advice.
