Government funds new facility for older patients

20/12/00
Health services for the elderly will receive a boost in the Mount Lawley and surrounding areas following an agreement for construction of a new State Government-funded inpatient facility at Mercy Hospital.
The purpose-built facility, to be named the Ursula Frayne Wing after the sister who led the first Sisters of Mercy to arrive in Perth in 1846, will provide a 12-bed public inpatient service for older people with mental health problems.
The new unit will be an extension of the existing 24 aged assessment and restorative beds at Mercy Hospital for public patients.
MercyCare Board of Governance chairperson Sr Sheila Sawle said the focus on aged care was an important part of MercyCare's mission.
"Patients at the facility will receive care for a range of mental health issues that can affect older people," Sr Sheila said.
"The purpose-built unit will provide safe and secure inpatient accommodation."
Patient safety is paramount and secure wards protect the patient from wandering.
According to Sr Sheila the new Ursula Frayne facility will be built on the site of the current chapel in the hospital grounds.
"The chapel will be relocated to the ground floor of the main hospital building," she said.
"Artefacts such as the stained glass windows will be incorporated into the new chapel building."
The project is part of the State Government mental health and capital works program designed to provide better services close to home for more people. This unit is similar to facilities at Bentley, Selby, Armadale, Swan Districts and Osborne Hospitals.
Based on a thorough professional assessment of the site, the Government has made a capital allocation of $3 million to allow the immediate commencement of the design, construction and furnishing of the new building.
Health Minister John Day said the weight of evidence showed modern mental health facilities close to where people normally live were much more effective.
"The State and Commonwealth Governments and organisations such as Mercy Hospital are fully supportive of the move to community-based services throughout the metropolitan region," he said.
"The State Government's commitment to effective aged care means we must invest in purpose-built facilities located in the community.
"The new facilities at Mercy Hospital will mean better care for older patients with a mental health problem and other people with acute conditions."
Mr Day said the biggest benefit for patients was that the new facility will allow them to be cared for in their local community, close to family and friends.
Construction on the new facility will commence in September 2001 and is due for completion in December 2002.
Media contact: Hugh Ryan 9213 6600