JOHN FAWKNER HOSPITAL

John Fawkner Private Hospital, at the time run by Mayne Health engaged the services of Soma Health(then named Kas Medical Services), to review the impact of acute services to their hospital.

Although the hospital had an emergency department, it had been shut some two years previously. The result was a decrease admission rate by specialists and a decrease in bed occupancy in the hospital.

Initial review by Soma demonstrated that a stand-alone private facility required acute Emergency services. The initial approach was to engage the hospital in commencing a Rapid Assessment Unit as a precursor toa new Department. This was initially accredited as an Emergency Department. With increased hospital, and consultant confidence, a move was made to reopen the department. The refurbishments for the new department were designed by Soma and the Emergency Department re-opened on November 6th 2002.

The medical model used was exclusive to Soma Health. The doctors are provided, trained by Soma, and there is a guarantee of all rosters being filled.

Since re-opening the Department, there have been several Hospital management changes, and hospital buyouts, from Mayne to Benchmarque to Afinity to Healthscope, but the Emergency Department continues to be managed by Soma. Today the hospital is thriving, the department is thriving.

In response to needs in the private sector, this department was one of the first to introduce a short stay unit managed by Soma. This is coupled with a 'hospital in the home' network that allows Soma to deliver the best patient care.

HOBART PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Hobart Private Hospital in Hobart Australia requested the services of Soma Health in providing Director leadership and medical management of their Emergency Department.

Within a short period of time a Clinical Director from amongst the ranks of Soma Health was appointed, medical education was established and the department rosters were filled.

The next stage in the management of the department was the establishment of a short stay unit. This was designed by Soma and the successful completion of this new 5 bed unit resulted in better patient care through the appropriate management of short stay patients.