Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) now offers high quality care to patients who would have previously needed to be transferred to larger hospitals elsewhere in the state following the opening of its first ever high dependency unit (HDU), which was officially opened last Thursday.

The three-bed HDU is part of the Tambo Ward that was recently upgraded thanks to an investment from the Victorian Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. It is fitted with state-of-the art equipment to provide care for patients who need high level monitoring and management of their condition, including invasive blood pressure and cardiac monitoring.

The HDU is monitored 24/7 by medical staff and specially qualified nurses who are supported by the hospital’s team of physicians. Other clinical staff such as physiotherapists and dieticians are also involved in care as required.

Support is also provided by intensive care specialists at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne through BRHS’ expanding telemedicine program.

HDU nurse unit manager, Sue Hutton, says being able to keep patients in Bairnsdale is more than just a matter of convenience.

“When we have to transport someone for treatment, it means we have to separate them from their family and friends and from the support networks they rely on,” she said.

“We know that can have a real impact on their recovery. There’s a big benefit to being able to provide these specialist services here at our hospital, and so the new HDU is a really important addition.”

The new HDU is already helping local families.

Ron Hatcher, of Orbost, was admitted to BRHS in May for an urgent medical issue that would typically have necessitated transport to Melbourne.

However, because of the equipment and monitoring available in the new HDU, Ron was able to remain in Bairnsdale and receive top quality care.

Because of this, Ron’s wife, Gwen, was able to be with him every day. She stayed at SAM’s Cottage, BRHS’s low cost accommodation within walking distance of the hospital, that is made available to patient’s families in certain situations.

“We couldn’t speak highly enough of all the staff at the hospital,” Gwen said.

“Everyone was absolutely terrific. Being able to stay in Bairnsdale was really important, because it meant I could be with Ron every day, and not have to worry.”

The opening of the HDU was supported by donations for a number of people and organisations, including the hospital’s Kiosk Auxiliary and local semi-trailer manufacturing business, Kennedy Trailers, both of which have made several generous contributions to BRHS in recent years.

“The contributions that these organisations make to the health service have a huge impact,” BRHS chief executive officer, Robyn Hayles, said.

“Their commitment to BRHS and to the community is remarkable, and we are deeply thankful for their support of us and the people of this region.”

All supporting organisations and staff and community members who contributed to the opening of the new HDU were recognised at the unit’s formal opening last Thursday.

PICTURED: Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) board chair, Peter Murphy, gratefully receives a cheque from BRHS Kiosk Auxiliary president, Sandra Martin, for $150,000. Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) now offers high quality care to patients who would have previously needed to be transferred to larger hospitals elsewhere in the state follow- ing the opening of its first ever high dependency unit (HDU), which was officially opened last Thursday.