Albury Wodonga Health's capacity for inpatient rehabilitation has doubled thanks to a $1.94 million cash injection from the Victorian Government.
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The new ward will be opened on Monday next week and is an extension on the old 10-bed service at the Wodonga campus.
Staff from Albury's rehabilitation centre are being transitioned into the new 20-bed building containing five twin-rooms and ten single rooms over the Border.
The centre is the primary rehabilitation service for amputees in the North East.
The revamp saw the addition of an open-plan kitchen and living area as well as new treatment spaces and equipment.
Operational director of sub-acute services Dr Lucie Shanahan said the new design would be more practical for patient recovery.
“One of the biggest advantages in the new facility is it is more like a home environment,” she said.
“This gives patients the ability to practice everyday tasks which they will need before they go home.
“There are also better facilities for people who need a lot of support walking or standing or for those people with spinal injuries.
“They will be able to come home a lot sooner from metropolitan hospitals.”
The service will provide rehabilitation for people who have suffered strokes, spinal injuries and progressive neurological disorders.
It will also help amputees and people who have a longterm illness or who have had major surgery by offering general reconditioning.
New equipment including ceiling tracking hoists in two bedrooms and the gym will help patients get back on their feet sooner.
Dr Shanahan said there was a high demand for the service.
“Being able to pick someone up out of a chair and move them into bed and put people in the hoist so they are really well supported will allow patients to practise walking properly,” she said.
“This will happen earlier in their recovery and means they will not rely on so many staff to support them.
“With all staff at same facility, they can network with each other and transfer patients more seamlessly.
“As a result, it takes away a bit of the work load.”
Clinical director of rehabilitation Doctor Michael Njovu and nurse unit manager of rehabilitation Lynette Johnstone will lead the transition of staff and patients to the new service.
