Rehab unit 'back within two years'

A rehabilitation unit could be operating at Woy Woy Hospital within two years.

Minister of Health Ms Jillian Skinner has told Woy Woy Hospital Alliance that a Commonwealth allocation, together with $5 million of State Government funding, will make it possible.

She said the service would provide geriatric rehabilitation and palliative care sub-acute services and would be anticipated to be operational in the 2012-13 financial year.

The Alliance has welcomed the news that money has been made available for the restoration of the rehabilitation unit at the hospital.

Alliance chairman Mr Ivan Kinny said: "Members were elated when Ms Skinner's letter was read out, and expressed their thanks to the Minister for her determined action in taking up our cause.

"The plan is obviously in its early stages, but the omens are good.

"We look forward to hearing further details as the plan is implemented."

He said the information was imparted through a personally-signed letter from the Minister, brought to the Alliance's September meeting by foundation member Ms Joan Armstrong.

Ms Skinner wrote that the funding was set aside as part of the Council of Australian Governments sub-acute bed program.

She said that it was the $5 million NSW election commitment combined with the Commonwealth Government funding that would enable the construction of a new in-patient unit for these services.

She said that funding would also contribute to the upgrade of services such as communications, waste management, kitchen and food services, hazardous materials management, engineering and the receiving dock at the Woy Woy Hospital site to ensure clinical services are appropriately supported.

Email, 21 Sep 2011 Ivan Kinny, Woy Woy Hospital Alliance