Development has been approved for the $2 million federally-funded geriatric unit at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
The purpose-built specialised unit will provide a multidisciplinary approach to caring for elderly patients, whose healthcare needs are often complex because of multiple health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and dementia.
This unit will provide specialised, high quality care for the frail and elderly in our community, while at the same time help relieve bed block at what is a very busy hospital.
Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott said the unit’s effectiveness at providing a multi-faceted approach to care, through specialised medical treatment, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social work, provided older patients with health outcomes that weren’t always possible through traditional hospital care.
“And it is this short-stay but focused approach to treatment and rehabilitation which can make the world of difference to an older patient’s level of recovery and independence,” Mr Oakeshott said.
The Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit was promised last year.
It was approved by Port Macquarie-Hasting Council recently and the construction tender has been let to Hastings company Lianda Constructions.
“The value of this unit will be measured by the difference its specialist team makes to the quality of life of its elderly patients, and that also means better outcomes for their families and carers,” Mr Oakeshott said.
Construction is expected to be completed by May.
