15 December 2005

Work starting on $4.8m Ballina Transitional Care Unit

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Paul McLeay announced today that works on the $4.8 million Transitional Care Unit at Ballina Hospital will begin next week.

Mr McLeay said the new 18 bed unit for aged care rehabilitation was a substantial commitment by the NSW Government to meet the needs of the local community.

"This will be a specialised service for mostly elderly people who need assistance to move from hospital or rehabilitation to independent living at home," Mr McLeay said.

"The services provided at the Transitional Care Unit will include mobility and falls prevention support, physical rehabilitation and practical training in living skills that may have been lost because of injury or impairment," he said.

The new service involves funding from both the NSW Government which is contributing $2.8 million and the Commonwealth Government which is providing the balance.

"This custom-designed unit, with highly skilled staff, will make a positive contribution to the welfare of patients, not only improving their lifestyle outcomes but also offering greater peace of mind to their family members and friends," Mr McLeay said.

"The new unit is a significant enhancement in local healthcare services for a coastal population that is both fast growing and has a rapidly ageing character.

"The Transitional Care Unit is the first stage of a larger health services plan envisaged for the Ballina site which may also incorporate enhanced rehabilitation and ambulatory (out-patient) care.

"We know that with rehabilitation and transitional care many elderly people have the potential to cope in the broader community, with support where necessary.

"The site preparation work for the Transitional Care Unit is scheduled to begin next week (starting 19 December) and to continue through the holiday period.

"The major works are due to commence in early February with the unit expected to be completed around mid 2006," Mr McLeay said.

It is expected the Unit will care for patients from the Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley local government areas.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au