New support for hospital emergency patients

The State Government has announced funding for a program that will improve the way things work for emergency patients at local hospitals.

The program will employ 'Patient Experience Officers' in the emergency departments who will greet patients on arrival, provide info on where to go, what to expect, anticipated wait times and guide them through their care.

They will also provide patients with free wifi and phone charging, fact sheets on their particular condition, ongoing care instructions and the like.

John Hunter, the Mater, Wyong and Maitland hospitals will each get two of these officers, with Belmont and Cessnock each getting one.

It's a good move in my opinion. It's a first in Australia and follows a successful trial.