Wednesday, 9 October 2013 LOCAL PATIENTS RETURN TO INDEPENDENT LIVING Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Swansea MP Garry Edwards today officially opened Belmont Hospital’s new sub-acute unit. Mrs Skinner said the $4.2 million, 16-bed facility provides care to those patients who need extra clinical support before they can return safely home to loved ones. “For those patients who are well but not quite ready to head home, sub-acute units play a supportive role in the discharge process,” Mrs Skinner said. “Dedicated medical, nursing and allied health staff work closely with patients to help them meet personalised pre-determined goals that will better equip them for independent living. “By spending time in the sub-acute unit patients are given a greater period of time to recuperate from complex conditions.” The construction of the facility was made possible by the Federal Government under the Improving Public Hospital Services National Partnership Agreement. The NSW Government will cover the operating costs of the unit. Mr Edwards said local patients, their families, carers and wider health services will benefit from the unit’s establishment at Belmont Hospital. “Sub-acute units play a vital role in taking pressure off our existing acute hospital services,” Mr Edwards said. “This means an unnecessary stay in an acute hospital bed can be avoided to ensure patients with more complex conditions are able to access the vital care they need. “The unit cares for patients who meet admission criteria from both Belmont and John Hunter, freeing up space for acutely unwell patients at these hospitals.” Federal Health Minister Peter Dutton welcomed the opening of the unit. “This sub-acute unit initiative is being rolled out across the state and another 14-bed unit at Kurri Kurri Hospital is due for completion later this year,” Mr Dutton said. The sub-acute unit is located on the third floor of Belmont Hospital’s south block.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 05:28:44 +0000
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