State-of-the-art emergency care at Fiona Stanley Hospital

• Fiona Stanley Hospital ED to see more than 88,000 patients per year

• Separate entry and triage for paediatric and adult patients

• Senior clinical lead confirmed for Fiona Stanley Hospital ED

The $2billion Fiona Stanley Hospital is gearing up to provide emergency care to more than 88,000 patients a year when it opens.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the emergency department in the 783-bed hospital would be the most advanced in WA and provide state-of-the-art care for critically ill patients.

Dr Hames said the emergency department at the new public hospital would be one of the busiest in the State.

The hospital was on time and on budget to start taking patients in October 2014 as part of a staged commissioning process.  More than $32million of advanced medical equipment will be installed into the hospital over coming months.

"In a first for WA, the Fiona Stanley Hospital emergency department will separate adult and paediatric patients.  Sick children and their families will have their own entrance, waiting room and clinical area, closely linked to the paediatric ward," the Minister said.

"The combined emergency department includes 70 beds across a range of specialties such as resuscitation, acute assessment and paediatrics, as well as mobile X-ray equipment built into the ceilings, reducing the need to move or transfer patients.

"Clinical innovations such as a specialised stream to rapidly treat low-risk patients and a chest pain assessment unit will serve to reduce waiting times and inpatient admissions."

Dr Hames also announced that emergency physician and toxicologist, Dr Mark Monaghan, would be the new Head of Emergency at Fiona Stanley Hospital.

"Dr Monaghan is currently the Co-Director of Emergency at Fremantle Hospital and is the clinical lead for emergency access targets in WA - making him highly-qualified for taking on this critical role," he said.

"He has a strong history in process reform both in WA and nationally in his role as expert panel member advising the Commonwealth on targets for emergency access and elective surgery."

       Fact File

• Fiona Stanley Hospital is part of the State Government's $7billion hospital building and refurbishment program and is scheduled for a phased opening from October 2014

• Fiona Stanley Hospital includes 6,300 rooms, 4,400 timber doors, 36,000 light fittings and 100km of power and lighting cabling

• Photo attached of Dr Monaghan

• More information at http://www.fsh.health.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5300