These cases were treated at the new emergency department of the Aberdeen Hospital on Thursday – only in this case the “patients” were faking it. The scenarios were part of training for staff who will be moving into the new department on Oct. 24.
Health services manager Jennifer Sutherland said this kind of training is a great way to get staff accustomed to the new space, which is four times the size of the current emergency department.
“It gives the staff a chance to operate in the space before opening day,” she explained. “It’s an orientation to their environment.”
While there are still a few small finishing touches, including some signage to be put up in the new department, it is now being stocked with supplies in preparation for the official opening to the delight of staff.
“They’re looking forward to the move,” Sutherland said. “The space allows the opportunity for them to provide patient care in a more private setting.”
What’s been nice about this project she said is that because it was built from the ground up and not just a renovation of existing space, they were able to include some key items including specialized rooms for everything from obstetrics/gynecology to ophthalmology and orthopedics.
The new ambulance bay will fit four ambulances at a time and will allow for patients to be moved from the ambulance to the emergency room within a sheltered environment.
There are some designated parking spots around the emergency department and there will be a drop-off zone for when those spaces are filled.
“We’re very proud to this point and really looking forward to opening day,” Sutherland said.
