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16 June 2008 Investment to boost access to local health services in Wollongong
NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher said the $1.79 billion allocated to South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service in the 2008-09 Health Budget would deliver better access to a range of health services for the Wollongong community. Visiting Wollongong Hospital, Ms Meagher said the Iemma Government is committed to providing people in the Illawarra with better access to health services closer to home and the $13.15 billion State Health Budget delivers on that commitment. “Our investment in the public health system is aimed at better managing chronic illnesses in the community so that hospitals can continue to provide priority access for those people who need acute care,” Ms Meagher said. “And that’s exactly what we’re delivering here in the Wollongong area.” Funding for Wollongong Hospital in the 2008-09 Health Budget includes:
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Member for Wollongong Noreen Hay said the funding for an additional four beds for Wollongong Hospital’s new Medical Assessment Unit was a key aspect of the local health spending. “The Medical Assessment Unit was opened at Wollongong Hospital in April this year to provide faster and better coordinated care for older patients and those with chronic conditions,” Ms Hay said. “Already the unit has treated more than 150 patients, who have received comprehensive assessment and care from a range of specialist doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. “This funding allows it to grow to a total of 17 permanent beds from July, with the staff and resources needed to deliver high quality care.” Minister for the Illawarra David Campbell said the investment in mental health services would provide the local community with better access to specialised services. “This Budget delivers the funding needed to complete a number of mental health facilities across the Illawarra, including the Psychiatric Emergency Care Unit and the Older Persons Mental Health Unit at Wollongong Hospital,” Mr Campbell said. “These facilities will provide specialised services for people with mental illness here in Wollongong, enhancing their care and reducing the need for people to travel outside of the area.” The Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre will consist of a dedicated four-bed unit within Wollongong Hospital’s emergency department to provide short-term acute treatment for people with mental health problems or disorders. Ms Meagher said the 14-bed Illawarra Older Persons Mental Health Unit is being built above the existing acute mental health unit at Wollongong Hospital. “This investment recognises the need for services that are specifically designed for older people, providing a multi-disciplinary assessment of a patient’s mental, behavioural, social and physical status,” Ms Meagher said. “The South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service is currently recruiting staff for the unit which is due for completion in August.”
For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au |
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