The aim of Sub-Acute care is to help patients regain optimal health and quality of life by restoring independence. To achieve this, individualised patient centred care is provided from the Sub-Acute team with involvement of family and significant others encouraged. The sub-acute team work together with patients towards goals that promote return to a normal lifestyle with maximum independence and community support.
There are two streams of sub-acute care;
Rehabilitation
What is Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation (or “Rehab”) is therapy to help patients recover all or some movement and function which was compromised due to a health condition. Rehab is different from hospital care when patients are unwell. In Rehab patients are physically well and expected to actively participate and work hard towards reaching goals.
GEM (Geriatric Evaluation and Management)
What is GEM?
Geriatric evaluation and Management (GEM) is therapy which aims to achieve improvement in function of a patient with medical conditions related to ageing, such as tendency to fall, incontinence, reduced mobility and cognitive impairment. The patient may be unwell requiring some active medical involvement.
Inpatient amenities
Our modern facility includes six, large two bed rooms with ensuites, which were purpose built for Sub-Acute use (redevelopment completed and opened 2013). The area has been designed to maximise opportunities to enhance patient independence and incorporates;
- Daily living skills kitchen and activity room
- Sheltered outdoor courtyard
- Purpose built Gymnasium
- Gait training walkway
“The ensuite was very user friendly. It enabled me to have independence and to do more for myself earlier”
(Anonymous patient quote)
The Team supporting you
Care is planned and delivered by a team of health professionals which may include (depending on individual needs);
| Consultant Physicians | Continence Service |
| Physiotherapists | Diabetes Educators |
| Occupational therapists | Allied Health Assistants |
| Nurses | Aged Care Placement Coordinator |
| Dietitians | Home Referral Service |
| Speech Pathologists | Care Co-ordination |
| Social Worker | Pharmacists |
| Podiatrists |
How do you access this service?
If you believe that you or a loved one could benefit from our inpatient service please seek personal advice from your local doctor or allied health professional (for example your physiotherapist or occupational therapist). If agreed, they will be able make a referral for you by accessing the Health Professionals section of our site.
If an inpatient service is more than you need it may be worth considering our Outpatient rehabilitation program which is called “Health Independence Programs”.
Hours:
Inpatients Services, 24 hours, 7 days/week
Allied Health Services, Business Hours, Monday to Friday
Location:
The Sub-Acute unit is located within the Medical Unit at Hamilton Base Hospital.
Contact us:
Ph: (03) 5551 8050
Fax: (03) 5571 8572
Email: teamleader.subacute@wdhs.net
Referrals can be submitted electronically
For referrals from within WDHS please submit via TrakCare.