By YASEMIN TALAT
STATE of the art facilities and improved health services will soon be available at the doorstep of Wyndham residents.
The Werribee Mercy Hospital is set to open the doors to its new wing later in the year, introducing new and improved medical facilities and services to the Wyndham community.
Program director Gillian Evans told Star that building works were running close to schedule.
“The improved facilities and services will mean that more people from Wyndham will have better access to state-of-the-art care closer to home,” Ms Evans said.
The Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC) which is currently located on Watton Street will relocate to the new building and so will the Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP), which is currently located within the existing hospital.
The ground level of the new building accommodation CRC and HARP and will also have a gym, exercise space, rehabilitation therapy rooms, specialist consulting suites and a mobility garden.
“We are anticipating relocating CRC and HARP by mid November,” Ms Evans told Star.
“The incorporation of all these health professionals and their services and programs in one dedicated location will strengthen the ability to maximise independent and quality of life for people with a disabling medical condition,” she said.
“And maximise the likelihood that they will remain or become active and productive members of the community.”
The first floor of the building will have 30 Geriatric Evaluation and Management inpatient beds, living and dining areas and therapy spaces.
“The aim of this service will be to assist patients experiencing disability following illness or injury to return home with an optimal level of health and independence,” Ms Evans said.
She said the facility will also have an automated queuing system in place to ensure that clients receive prompt attention and that there is a reduction in waiting time.
Ms Evans said the new facility will potentially also have the ability to offer services such as consultative medical service, nursing, speech pathology, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics and diabetes.
Construction of the new facility, fronting the Princes Highway, started in July last year.
“Construction works are going well despite the wet weather,” Ms Evans said.
“I am also pleased to say that the works have gone ahead without any inconvenience or interruption to the hospital activity.”
