Queensland Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg, Deputy Leader John Paul Langbroek and member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen visited St Stephen’s hospital this morning to tour Australia’s first and fully integrated digital hospital.
General Manager and Director of Nursing, Amanda Cruwys took them through Alston Ward, one of three wards in the facility and into one of the two-bed rooms so they could see first-hand how patients can utilise the latest technology to enhance their stay.
Former acting GM Rae Priaulx, St Stephen’s Quality and Projects Manager Michelle Clunn and CNM Theatre Leonor Canapi provided the visitors with an insight into how significant the changes are within a digital hospital. They informed the group how a patient can now book their reservation on-line, showed them the information available regarding patients being readied for the operating theatre and took them into the special dispensaries in each ward where patient’s medications are sealed and bar codes need to be scanned to ensure improved medication management.
The group donned sterile, white coveralls to view one of the five operating theatres in the complex. During the hour-long tour they were provided with an overview of how the hospital integrates a patient’s medical records, medications and treatments with hospital equipment, processes and services.
The former Health Minister said it was a privilege to visit St Stephen’s Hospital today. “This is a state-of-the-art hospital with amazing facilities”, Mr Springborg said.
John Paul Langbroek, who holds an honours degree in dental science, said it was great to see the hospital and meet the friendly and hard working staff. “You can tell they take pride in this nation-leading hospital”.