Cade Lucas
Patients undergoing surgery at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Werribee will now be able to recover in more spacious surrounds, with the opening of a new rehabilitation ward this week.
The purpose built in-patient rehabilitation ward officially opened on Monday, July 8, and takes up the entirety of the hospital’s second level, giving it a dedicated space.
Level two nurse unit manager Dusica Delic said the new rehab ward was needed due to increased demand.
“There has been an increased need for patients to have surgery in the western suburbs and some patients following surgery require in-patient rehabilitation stays,” Ms Delic said.
“It’s great to be able to expand services and open another floor as our activity grows and we can accommodate more patients in the local community.”
St Vincent’s Werribee focuses on orthapedic and recondition rehab as well as recovery from acute illness.
The new ward features 14 single rooms, each with a private ensuite, as well as gym, functional therapy kitchen and practical group education spaces.
As well as accommodating more rehab patients, the ward will also allow for unplanned admissions and as Ms Delic explained, prevent the need for patients to be transferred elsewhere, such as to St Vincent’s campus in Fitzroy.
“It provides an opportunity for patients to ongoing rehab services close to home where they can be supported by family friends,” she said, adding that it wasn’t just rehab patients who will benefit.
“It provides an opportunity for ongoing employment for specialty nurses from the local area. We’ve employed new nurses,” Ms Delic said.
