Inpatient beds will be cut but service provisions will be enhanced at Finley Hospital as part of a bold new plan.
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A clinical services plan for the facility, released last week, proposes a greater focus on outpatient services.
Specific investments outlined in the plan are designed to improve treatment in the areas of rehabilitation, mental health, and community health.
The plan also proposes building five ensuite units with shared amenities adjacent the hospital, to accommodate temporary or visiting medical staff to service the hospital.
Changes outlined in the CSP are designed to “provide the physical infrastructure to meet projected demand and models of care”.
The works will be undertaken using $25 million in funding committed to the Finley Hospital by the NSW Government in November last year.
Recommendations in the CSP are based on projections which show the Berrigan Shire population will continue to increase. albeit only slightly, in the next 10 years.
A significant proportion of that population is expected to be older than 70.
The plan is also designed to reduce the need to travel for medical services.
“The catchment population projections are projected to have a slight increase over the next decade from 2026 to 2031 (105 people),” the report says.
“The proportion of older people is predicted to increase over time, with those aged 70 years rising to a quarter of the total population by 2031.
“This recommended configuration is based on anticipated growth in the proportion of ageing population to 2031 and reversal of flows for some services that could be delivered closer to home.”
The plan proposes the 16 bed hospital become a 14 bed facility - 10 inpatient beds and a four bed rehabilitation pod with rehabilitation clinical support service areas.
New infrastructure proposed in the plan includes:
- One emergency department (ED) isolation room;
- One ED interview room, which can also be used for mental health assessments;
- One family room with kitchenette;
- One kitchenette for rehab and general inpatient access;
- One Aboriginal liaison room;
- An ultrasound service;
- A large group room for up to 20 people;
- A large meeting room;
- A small meeting room;
- Five units with ensuites and shared amenities adjacent the hospital for short term and visiting staff;
- Six rooms that could be utilised for consultations, treatments for interviews, and as virtual care spaces (Telehealth for example) accessible by the community.
Retained but improved as part of the infrastructre plan is the rehabilitation assessment gym.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District acting chief executive Carla Bailey said the draft CSP was developed during a period of stakeholder and community consultation, and is open for public comment until July 27.
“Significant stakeholder engagement was undertaken in April and May involving consumers, community representatives, key stakeholders and health organisations,” she said.
“We thank the community for the positive response, with 65 surveys received, many smaller consultation sessions held and a community meeting involving around 60 attendees.
“Completion of the CSP is an essential piece of work which needs to be undertaken before a master plan, project plan and timeline for the redevelopment can be developed.”
The CSP Steering Committee, which includes members of the Local Health Advisory Committee and community representatives, has endorsed the draft plan.
Steering committee member and Finley LHAC chair Syd Dudley said the plan outlines positive recommendations for the future of Finley Health Service, as planning commences for the redevelopment.
“Working with community stakeholders and Murrumbidgee Local Health District has enabled a variety of feedback to be considered in this planning document,” he said.
“On behalf of the steering committee, I encourage the community to contribute their feedback to the plan.”
Feedback from the public exhibition will be assessed and incorporated into the report, which will then be provided to Murrumbidgee Local Health District for endorsement.
Following endorsement, the updated Clinical Services Plan will be provided to the Ministry of Health and Health Infrastructure for commencement of the master planning phase of the project.
To view the draft CSP and have your say, go to https://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/your-opinion.
Feedback can be provided online and via email, to MLHD-FeedBack@health.nsw.gov.au.
Senior journalist