No plans yet for rehab ward

Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health has made "no final plans" for the use of the old rehabilitation ward at Woy Woy Hospital, according to a NSW Health information sheet.

The information sheet stated that Central Coast Health is "considering" using the space to allow the expansion of community health services to Peninsula.

"The priority will be to ensure that whatever decision is made is in the best interests of the health service and the community and to ensure this happens there will be consultation with the Central Coast Participation Committee and relevant staff," the information sheet stated.

The area health service also stated it had no plans to sell or lease the rehabilitation ward to Brisbane Waters Private Hospital.

"In January 2009, Central Coast Health received a letter from Brisbane Waters Private Hospital expressing an interest in the future of the ward," the information sheet stated.

"The health service has not responded to the letter and no discussions have been held with Brisbane Waters Private Hospital or any other private business."

Central Coast Health denied any staff had lost their job as a result of the rehabilitation ward closure at Woy Woy.

It was stated: "Central Coast Area Health has been able to provide employment for all staff affected by this change and most have already accepted positions at Woy Woy Hospital in the general ward, as well as the Wyong Rehabilitation Centre and other locations within Central Coast Health."

It was also stated by Central Coast Area Health that all services at Woy Woy Hospital would remain "unchanged" following the rehabilitation ward closure.

"All other services at Woy Woy remain unchanged, including outpatient rehabilitation services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy."

The information sheet also reiterated Central Coast Area Health's reasoning behind the closure of Woy Woy's rehabilitation ward to provide patients with an acute hospital setting.

Information sheet, 27 Mar 2009 Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health