Premier opens $11 million redevelopment at Nepean Hospital

26 June 2009

Premier Nathan Rees and Penrith MP Karyn Paluzzano today officially opened Nepean Hospital’s $11 million North Block Redevelopment which will benefit aged care, stroke and rehabilitation patients.

Mr Rees said that the NSW Government will continue to invest in major infrastructure projects like this which create jobs and help to stimulate the economy.

“The construction of the new wing supported 550 jobs,” Mr Rees said.

“The redevelopment, known as the Pathways Home and Allied Health Project, includes new in-patient wards, courtyards and improved treatment zones to deliver best-practice support in geriatric, stroke and rehabilitation care.

“Our growing ageing population presents a big challenge for our health system.

“This redevelopment is a positive step in the right direction to meet the changing needs of the local community.”

The new facilities include:

• A 20-bed ward for rehabilitation patients.
• A 26-bed acute aged care unit specifically designed to provide care for people over 70, with or without cognitive or behaviour problems, in a secure but non-institutional environment;
• A 23-bed ward for combined stroke/OPERA (Older Persons Evaluation Review & Assessment); including nine-bed stroke unit and 14-bed unit for short-stay aged care; and
• A multidisciplinary aged care rehabilitation therapies unit, including two specially-designed gym areas, treatment and consulting rooms, and an 'activities of daily living' kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Member for Penrith Karyn Paluzzano said the facilities would improve treatment of patients with stroke and other rehabilitation needs, and allow staff to respond quickly to increased demand.

“The Pathways Home and Rehabilitation block is an integrated, one-stop-shop for aged care services at Nepean Hospital,” Ms Paluzzano said.

“Staff and patients are delighted with the new facilities.

“The experience of hospital admission can be distressing for older patients with cognitive impairment, and their carers, and this was taken into account with the wing’s design.

"With the completion of the North Block redevelopment and the recently opened Medical Assessment Unit, we have a greatly enhanced capacity to rapidly assess and treat older patients in an environment of dignity and respect," Ms Paluzzano added.

Mr Rees said the NSW Government was investing $603 million in building better health infrastructure throughout NSW in 2009-10 - part of a four-year $2.4 billion capital program.

“This investment is part of a record $15.1 billion for health in the coming year to continue to meet the health needs of the people of NSW," Mr Rees said.

“We will continue to work hard to deliver the health services families across NSW require, and to respond to their needs.”

The project was jointly funded by the State and Federal Government.