New ward brings vulnerable patients closer to home

Rosalee Trent, Nurse Unit Manager

The opening of a new ward at Caboolture Hospital is allowing vulnerable patients to stay close to their loved ones during their complex care journey.

The newly established ward includes in-house specialist support services for acute geriatric patients and patients requiring palliative care.

Previously these services were only provided as a consultancy service, with many patients requiring long distance transfers to other community facilities to receive the necessary care.   

Nurse Unit Manager Rosalee Trent said: “The ability to provide specialist care services in the one location means that patients can stay close to their families and loved ones while receiving care in a supportive, specialised environment.

“Having local specialist teams means that patients can have regular engagement with the teams around their specific needs and concerns which gives them greater confidence in their health journey,” she said.

“For our geriatric cohort, our specialist restorative care team can support older persons and their families to better understand the importance of improving function and how to achieve their individual goals. 

“We help patients engage in therapies, connect to ongoing care services, and optimise their functional ability and overall quality of life.

“Similarly, having a local specialist palliative care team allows patients with life-limiting illnesses to receive end of life care in a purpose-built space where family and loved ones are welcome. 

“They support patients to meet their personal wishes during their care journey and navigate their current situation while providing a person-centred approach to death and dying. 

“The ward has supported significant improvements to the care experience of some of our most vulnerable patients and their families during difficult times.”