Townsville ED celebrates its third year of supporting locals in emergency need

This week sees the Townsville community commemorating another year of private emergency care service right on their doorstep as Mater Townsville’s Emergency Department celebrates their third anniversary.

Since opening its door to patients across the Townsville region in 2017, the centre has provided emergency care to the community welcoming more than 26,500 presentations.  

Boasting minimal average wait times less than 10 minutes, and access to specialist medical services, the department comprises of a clinical team of Emergency Specialists and some of the state’s best surgeons who work to provide expert care 365 days a year.

Emergency Department Clinical Director, Dr Philip Gaudin said no two days are the same for the regional emergency department.

“We have an expert team of Doctors, who are supported by the talented nursing staff who on any given day, may see someone who needs cardiac care all the way through to providing a plaster for a broken bone.”

“It is incredibly rewarding to care for people within our community with a big part of our day based on building genuine, caring connections with patients and families by helping them in their time of need.”

“Despite the challenges of COVID-19, our Emergency Department remains fully operational with increased quality measures in place to ensure patient safety.”

Mater Health Regional Executive Director, North and Central Queensland Gerard Wyvill said the opening of the Emergency Department was a big step forward for healthcare in the Townsville region and since then has provided a much-needed service for the community.

“The opening Mater Townsville’s Emergency Department meant filling a much-needed gap in healthcare for our Townsville community,” Mr Wyvill said.

“We are providing our North Queensland community with the same level of private healthcare available in our major cities, with highly-trained and experienced emergency specialists and on-site radiology and pathology services.”

“Our team is here when you or your family need us most. We are focused on treating people promptly at times of unexpected illness or injury, ensuring minimal wait times and the delivery of quality, values-based care to anyone who needs it.”

“Private emergency departments play a critical role in regional Queensland communities to provide exceptional medical care that is accessible to anyone, regardless of their location,” Mr Wyvill said.  

“Here in Townsville, since introducing Mater’s emergency department, we have seen a great response from the community knowing that they have local, emergency trained doctors and nurse who are ready to provide the emergency care they need, when they need it.”

The emergency department is open between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm all year round with patients able to present directly via the Hospital’s Fulham Road entrance or they can request to be taken by ambulance. The centre is open to the public with no appointment or referral required and does not necessitate private health insurance.