Palliative care unit opens at Mona Vale Staff with Board Chair Trevor Danos AM and CE Deb Willcox at the opening of the unit
In an historic moment for Mona Vale Hospital and the community, the Palliative Care and Geriatric Evaluation and Management building
“Our new specialised multidisciplinary palliative care team will give patients and their families real choice and support during what is undoubtedly one of the most difficult times.” The building has two wings with a 10-bed Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) unit joining the 10 dedicated palliative care beds. “The GEM will provide early assessment and treatment for people experiencing health conditions associated with ageing, such as a tendency to fall, reduced mobility and cognitive impairment,” Jennifer said. “This is another important addition to our hospital, joining the urgent care, community health, diagnostic, rehabilitation and other speciality services.” Everything from the floor to ceiling was designed in conjunction with consumer and community groups,
and Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Deb Willcox was excited to see it come to life. “The fittings through to the artwork were selected in consultation with groups like Friends of Northern Beaches Palliative Care and Northern Beaches In-patient Palliative Care Working Group, so the unit can meet all the needs of those admitted,” she said. About 50 staff work at the facility across the disciplines of medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, clinical psychology, neuro-psychology, podiatry, speech pathology, dietetics, pharmacy, administration and environmental services. “It was a pleasure to meet some of the staff at the opening and I know they will contribute greatly to the lives of those needing care at one of the hardest, most challenging times of their life,” Deb said.
opened providing specialised services to local residents.
The new unit, which houses the two services, was officially opened to much fanfare with the Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and local MPs Rob Stokes and James Griffin. Mona Vale Hospital Acting General Manager Jennifer McConnell said the new services were important for so many reasons. “Patients nearing the final stages of life will be supported and cared for closer to home in this new, purpose-built facility,” she said.
(Left to right): Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, Dr Peter Roach, Nurse Unit Manager Jodie Wason, Dr Gillian Meyer, Mona Vale Hospital Acting General Manager Jennifer McConnell, and local MPs Rob Stokes and James Griffin
Staff at the opening of the unit
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