Level 5 Maintenance Care Service team

STARS is helping ease bed pressures across Metro North Health with the opening of the new Level 5 Maintenance Care Service, adding an additional 40 beds to our network.

Kate Kempthorne, the new Ward 5 Nurse Unit Manager, recently joined the team after searching for a workplace that offered amazing facilities, excellent leadership and a high-performing team.

“The maintenance care service is a ward where long-stay/interim care patients can be admitted from acute beds across Metro North. These patients are ready to be discharged home but are awaiting a discharge destination or service to be put in place,” Kate explained.

“This means patients can receive domiciliary nursing care while they wait for suitable discharge accommodation.”

The Ward 5 Maintenance Care Service operates differently from other wards in the hospital; general practitioners are responsible for the medical care of patients.

The GPs are supported by nurse practitioners, as well as nurses of all levels and allied health clinicians including social workers and recreation officers.

“Our staff provide all of the necessary care for the patients. Ward 5B has two recreational officers that provide activities for the patients ranging from games, musical activities and social interactions,” Kate said.

“We currently have nine patients in 5B and are progressively ramping up to 20 beds. We will then admit patients into 5A which is also a 20-bed unit.

“The service is new and still evolving over time and may change to suit the needs of the patients. But the team is dedicated and enthusiastic about working a great facility and providing excellent patient care.”