RBWH opens doors to dedicated trauma ward

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital is set to become a Level 1 Trauma Centre with the opening of a dedicated ten-bed trauma ward.

The new ward will allow the expert multidisciplinary trauma team to admit and care for severely injured multi-trauma patients in a custom space.

Previously, the trauma service worked as a consultation model where they moved around the hospital to provide care for trauma patients located in relevant wards such as orthopaedics and neurosurgery

The new model will allow end-to-end healthcare for the patient, with the trauma team leading their treatment from the moment they arrive at the emergency department, to when they are discharged.

RBWH Trauma Service Director Professor Martin Wullschleger said he is thrilled to see the trauma ward come to life after months of planning.

“Caring for trauma patients is a highly specialised skillset. By having a dedicated trauma ward to care for these patients, we can ensure we always have the right staff and equipment to meet the patient’s requirements,” he said.

“The new ward is projected to provide world class healthcare for more than 500 highly complex trauma patients from across Queensland and Northern New South Wales each year.

“Not only will this new model provide optimum continuity of care for patients, but it will also allow nursing, medical and allied health staff to be upskilled in trauma care. They will then be able to take these skills with them into other medical specialities throughout their career.

“In addition, we will be expanding our research into trauma medicine and are undertaking a study into the patient outcomes of the new ward model. We expect to see highly positive results from this.”

RBWH Trauma Assistant Nursing Director Michael Handy said the new trauma ward will have a range of benefits for patients, their families, and staff.

“The trauma service is the only service in the hospital that will be able to open the ambulance door when the patient arrives and say goodbye to them at the other end,” he said.

“This will allow our team to develop, strong, trusting relationships with the patient and their family during what is often a challenging and stressful time.

“We will also be working closely with our Rehabilitation Service to ensure patients who require ongoing rehabilitation can start this as soon as possible.”

We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of the new trauma ward.