27 August 2009

Meryl Brown Rehabilitation Unit officially opened

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, has today officially opened the $5 million Meryl Brown Rehabilitation Unit at Ballina District Hospital.

“The unit has been named in honour of the hospital’s former Executive Director of Nursing who died suddenly recently,” the Minister said.

“The purpose-built 24-bed facility incorporates seven double rooms, eight single rooms, gym facilities, outdoor therapy courtyard, patient dining area and kitchen.

“This unit provides valuable support for patients recovering from surgery or significant medical conditions.

“Patients are now receiving the rehabilitation support they need within the local community and close to their home and family, reducing the need to travel.

“This was a three-stage project which also included an Ambulatory Care Centre and an 18-bed Transitional Care Unit, completed in early 2007,” the Minister said.

Clinical staff working in the Rehabilitation Unit and Transitional Care Unit include:

• A Geriatrician;
• Career Medical Officers;
• Nurses;
• Physiotherapists;
• Occupational Therapists;
• Speech Pathologists;
• Social Workers;
• Patient Care Coordinators; and
• A Neuropsychologist.

NSW Duty MLC for Ballina, Amanda Fazio, said these facilities are a great addition to the Ballina community.

“They will not only service local residents now but well into the future,” Ms Fazio said.

In another boost for Ballina District Hospital and its staff and patients, Mr Della Bosca said nurses working in the hospital will soon be freed up to focus on patient care not paperwork, with the recruitment of one fulltime and one part-time Clinical Support Officers in coming months.

"It’s part of a $117 million commitment in the 2009-10 State Budget to roll out the Caring Together: Health Action Plan for NSW," the Minister said.

"Ward-based clinical support officers will assist local nurses with administration and paperwork relating to recruitment, rostering, stock and supply orders and reports so nursing staff can spend more time caring for patients," he added.

The initiative will enable senior nurses to focus on coordinating services and care around the needs of each patient, including:

• Responding immediately to any deterioration in a patient's condition;
  • Supervising the work of junior staff;
  • Ensuring patients and their families understand what is happening with their care;
  • Making sure patients’ meals are served appropriately; and
  • Making sure ward areas are clean and hygiene standards are maintained.

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