It’s been 6 and a half months since the move into the new emergency department at the Dauphin Hospital. In that time the staff and community have been able to adjust to the changes.

One of the new changes was the addition of the ambulance bay.

Curt Gullett, director of acute care at the Dauphin Hospital, says the enclosed ambulance bay improved delivery methods.

“For EMS and for the clients, having them not be exposed to the extreme cold environments during their offload, so certainly been a benefit to the clients with a climate controlled EMS bay going right into the new emerge department.”

The transition into the new emergency department was successful. Originally, there were some challenges including clients learning which doors to enter through. The cul de sac at the back of the hospital also took some getting used to with people needing to learn how to maneuver through the area and make the drop offs.

Gullet says the support from the public is appreciated and it’s made the transition very smooth.

“We’ve had nothing but good comments from our public, now that they’re in the new emerge department. Of course waiting room space is much larger, it’s a very open concept and a very lightened concept with the glass window front. So they’re very happy with that. Again, all in one service, they’re coming in, being able to be triaged right there at the desk by nursing staff, and then appropriate waiting space to move in to the new ER space.”

From a staff perspective, Gullett says the space is a lot larger than before, and there are dedicated rooms with supplies available in each room for different situations. In that sense, the upgrades have made the staff’s jobs easier.

Another upgrade that has assisted them is the EDIS system, which is a computer program which allows for triage to happen and then gets displayed in the ER room. Gullet says it’s a better communication system within the department that keeps track of patients and their updates.

Overall, Gullett says the upgrades have lived up to expectations.

“We certainly appreciate the space, the new modern look, it’s been appreciated by both staff, and clients. It makes the facility, it’s made a huge improvement to not only the architectural structure of the design, but it also adds to meeting some of the guidelines as far as our Sinclair Inquest, and those type of things for improvements.”