Transitional care unit is opened

A 20-bed transitional care unit was officially opened at at Woy Woy Hospital on December 8.

The unit will provide specialised transitional care for older patients after hospitalisation for operation, illness or injury.

The $3.2 million facility is part of a joint Federal-State funded transitional care program that includes 56 community-based places in addition to the 20 facility-based places.

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal and Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews officiated the opening of the Transitional Aged Care Unit.

Ms Neal said the new unit would assist patients in the move between hospital and further care at home or in aged-care facilities.

"The Transitional Aged Care Unit will be an immense help to patients and their families as they make decisions during the move from hospital to follow-up care arrangements," Ms Neal said.

"The people of the Central Coast deserve the best in sub-acute rehabilitation care and this unit will continue to deliver that service."

Ms Neal said care at the unit was goal-oriented, time-limited and focused on therapy that would assist in-patients move out of hospital care.

"But this unit will also provide many of the existing out-patient services that Woy Woy Hospital offers to the people of Woy Woy, the Peninsula and the Central Coast, including community based occupational therapy, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy," Ms Neal said.

"I am proud the Rudd Labor Government is committed to funding excellence in health care for the people of the Central Coast."

According to Ms Andrews, the new service will provide one-on-one care for elderly patients in the local community.

"The establishment of this unit is proof that the NSW Government is committed to providing quality health care services for the people of Woy Woy - despite scaremongering by the Liberal Members of Gosford City Council and the Liberal Member for Terrigal," Ms Andrews said.

"The NSW and Commonwealth Governments are working together to provide the best health care services where people live.

Ms Andrews said transitional aged care provides patients with nursing support, low intensity therapy, personal care, medical support provided by general practitioners, case management including establishing community supports and services and where required, identification of residential care options.

"The Transitional Aged Care facility is designed to provide a homely environment which encourages interaction between clients," Ms Andrews said.

"There are 18 single rooms and two double rooms equipped with ensuites and complete with soft furnishings.

"A large group lounge/dining area provides the opportunity for clients to come together to eat, talk, watch television or undertake group activities such as low intensity occupational and physiotherapy sessions according to their treatment plan."

Ms Andrews said the Rees and Rudd Labor Governments were working together to reclaim 10 years of neglect by the Howard Government.

Press release, 8 Dec 2008 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson Press release, 8 Dec 2008 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford