Marquees a triage triumph for EMHS
To prevent COVID-19 spreading through our hospitals, EMHS had to ensure non-COVID patients were kept apart from those known to have — or suspected of having — the virus.
Large marquees, erected outside the EDs of RPH, AHS and SJGMPH were central to EMHS’ efforts to achieve this separation.
The structures were designed to serve as temporary triage stations for patients seeking emergency care — including those arriving by ambulance.
Arrangements were introduced that required patients to present to the marquees where staff would assess their COVID status and direct them appropriately. Known cases were automatically streamed into the ED’s ‘red zones’. Those assessed as being at low risk of COVID were given the green light to enter the ED, while anyone suspected of having COVID was given a RAT.
The marquees project was a major logistical exercise and a significant accomplishment for EMHS. At RPH alone, to accommodate the new structure, extensive road and site works were needed, including the closure of a portion of Victoria Square to traffic, the removal of parking bays, adjustment of the main hospital entrance and removal of a concrete island to enable the re-routing of access to ambulance bays.
AHS was similarly challenged and worked closely with outside agencies to create an entirely new traffic flow for ambulances, ambulatory visitors and carers.
The marquees themselves were carefully planned and configured to include patient waiting zones, designated swabbing stations, screening and triage spaces, and discrete donning and doffing areas.
On top of this, the new structures had to be waterproof, connected to hospital power supplies and fitted with reverse cycle air-conditioning and duress alarms.
In a race against time to ensure our hospitals were ready for the anticipated rise in COVID cases following the opening of the WA border, the marquees were erected and up and running within a matter of weeks, an accomplishment that highlighted the commitment of EMHS staff to ensuring the health and safety of our community.