“We’re currently performing around 250-300 procedures which don’t require general anaesthetic in the Procedure Suite each month, compared to 50-100 before it opened,” Kyle Reid, Heath NZ’s Capital Coast, Hutt Valley Healthcare Operations Manager, says.
“This means our main theatres can carry out a higher number of more complex operations which reduces waitlist times.”
The suite carries out procedures across the plastics, orthopaedics, gynaecology, dermatology, oral surgery, general surgery and ophthalmology specialties. With two consultation rooms, the suite also offers ‘see and treat’ clinics, where patients have an appointment with a specialist and can be treated immediately following this if appropriate.
“The suite has been invaluable in freeing up much needed capacity for acute and planned care in the hospital,” Dr Adam Hollingworth, Clinical Head of the Department of Anaesthesia, says.
“This increase in capacity is helping us achieve our ‘shorter wait times for elective treatment’ health target and helps manage the increased demand for surgeries from an aging, growing population.”
The team running the procedure suite comprises a core nursing and healthcare team, with staff from relevant fields of medicine coming in and out to provide services through the suite, depending on what’s required according to patient need. The suite also plays a key role in training nursing and medical students where patient consent is given.
“The suite is now well established and seeing how significantly it’s grown has been extremely satisfying,” says Heather Leslie, Clinical Nurse Manager for the Procedure Suite and Plastics Outpatients.
“There’s great teamwork and fantastic morale here - as a team, we’re always striving to ensure we deliver safe, timely and efficient care to the community. The continued positive feedback from staff and patients supports the success we’ve achieved within the suite.”
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