Rehabilitation unit is officially opened
Woy Woy Hospital's new $11.6 million 30-bed Rehabilitation Unit was officially opened on Tuesday, June 11, by Minister for Health Ms Jillian Skinner.
Ms Skinner was joined by Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein, Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill, Woy Woy Hospital Auxiliary president Ms Phyllis Thomas, Woy Woy Hospital Alliance president Mr Ivan Kinny and Central Coast Local Health District Board Chair Mr Paul Tonkin.
The facility was joint-funded with the NSW Government investing $5 million into the project and the Australian Government, under the COAG New Subacute Beds Guarantee contributing $6.6 million.
Ms Skinner said she was pleased to deliver on their pre-election commitment to restore rehabilitation services to Woy Woy Hospital, which were relocated to Wyong Hospital in 2008.
"It is with great excitement that I can be here today to celebrate the fulfilment of a pre-election commitment to provide enhanced rehabilitative care for patients on the Central Coast.
"It's no secret that this area has a growing and ageing population and to meet this demand we must continue to invest in these services to deliver quality care to the community," Ms Skinner said.
The new unit comprises 30 patient beds including two inpatient rooms, multiple courtyard therapy areas, a gymnasium and a dining room that includes a self-serve beverage bay.
The facility also features new kitchen areas, staff facilities, linen holding areas and waste collection facilities as well as additional parking.
Mr Holstein said he was proud to deliver much-needed services for Woy Woy and Central Coast communities.
"The NSW Government is delivering on the commitments it has made to the community and our new rehabilitation unit is a wonderful example of this," Mr Holstein said.
"The Rehabilitation Unit is designed to provide support for patients including coordinated medical, psychological and rehabilitative care tailored to individual needs.
"We want to see these patients recover so that they are able to return to the community and live with optimal independence while being supported by community-based health services.
"Provision has also been made for bariatric patients with a specially designed room with a ceiling mounted hoist that also provides access to the ensuite, helping to ensure the safety of both patients and staff," Mr Holstein said.
Ms O'Neill said bringing back the Woy Woy Rehabilitation Ward would make a real and practical difference to local residents needing care and support on the Peninsula.
"Anyone can have an accident or a stroke or an illness that puts them in need of rehab services in a dedicated facility," said Ms O'Neill.
"Being near family and friends is part of that healing journey.
"I'm very proud to be a part of the Federal Government that has delivered this great new building, and brought this service back to life here in Woy Woy."
Ms O'Neill also thanked the strong community campaign that made bringing this facility back possible.
"This is truly a win for the community.
"I want to thank people like Ivan Kinney, Marj Cleere and their dedicated team who, alongside the Woy Woy Hospital Ancillary, kept up their petitioning to make this possible.
"We are committed to ensuring that all Australians have access to the right health care, at the right time and in the right place - and better integrating it across public hospitals, primary care and aged care.
"By investing in the availability of subacute care services, the Government is improving the capacity of our health system to meet the challenges of an ageing population."
Media release, 11 Jun 2013
Samantha Day, Office of Jillian Skinner
Media release, 10 Jun 2013
Richard Mehrtens, Office of Deborah O'Neill MP