THE coronavirus is shaping the design of Albury hospital's new $36 million emergency department.
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Albury Wodonga Health pandemic response chief Sally Squire said the COVID-19 experience was tying into planning for the casualty unit to be built next year.
"Now that we're looking at the detailed design and layout and patient flow of our emergency department in Albury we're taking away lots of learnings from the last couple of months around the presentations to our emergency department," Ms Squire said.
"Those learnings will be built-in to the schematic designs and the patient flow as we move towards developing and redesigning that new ED."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Ms Squire's comments were made during a forum hosted by La Trobe University discussing the impact of COVID-19.
They come as Albury Wodonga Health plans to seek feedback for the emergency section plans through a community group.
Up to eight citizens are being sought for a panel designed to provide feedback on patient areas, amenities and workspaces, as well as the look and floor plan.
Albury Wodonga Health executive director of partnerships and planning, Janet Chapman said informed advice was important.
"We're really keen to hear from community members about their personal experience in accessing emergency care, and how we can best design the new ED to make the experience as positive as possible," Ms Chapman said.
"The feedback collected from this dedicated consumer group will help to inform the detailed design phase and support the project's ongoing engagement with staff and clinicians.
"Our goal is to end up with a design that facilitates person centred care and one that is respectful of privacy and the cultural needs of our community."
Those wanting to participate in the panel are urged to email projects@awh.org.au by next Wednesday with their background and reasons for wanting to take part.
They are also encouraged to share experiences of using the emergency department.
A timeframe involving building starting next year and doors being open in 2022 was flagged.
