New-look hospital ward designed for elderly patients


Released 11/01/2018

Elderly patients who require specialised care at The Canberra Hospital have moved into a newly renovated ward today which has been designed specifically to meet their needs.

The Acute Care for the Elderly Unit (Ward 11A) provides individual care, based on a patient’s clinical and social needs. The environment is safe, secure and promotes independence.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris visited the refurbished ward today to meet with patients and clinical staff.

“The ACT Government is focused on providing first-class health facilities in our hospitals, and ensuring they meet the needs of our patients,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“This newly refurbished ward has been designed specifically to make it easier to care for elderly patients and ensure they can move around the ward easily and safely as they recover.

“It has 26 bed spaces, which allows for flexible placement of beds, new bathrooms that use light and colour to assist patients with cognitive impairments, and a new seven-bed high observation unit.

“The ward will also soon have a refurbished courtyard to enable purposeful walking, to help patients get their mobility back.

“Furnishings and fittings chosen for the unit, including the use of contrasting colours and special signage, support the independence of patients who are vision-impaired or living with dementia.

“The new design also enables functional separation of patients with challenging behaviours and delirium. This will assist with monitoring and observation and improve nurse-patient interaction while ensuring staff and patients are safe.

“I’m really pleased that this ward is now open, as some of our most vulnerable members of the community are cared for in this unit. The renovations will significantly enhance the level of care, and the environment within which we care for these patients,” said Minister Fitzharris.

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Claire Johnston

(02) 6205 0022

0452 597 459

clairev.johnston@act.gov.au


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