More beds available for older people
Health in Ageing Specialist Services for Older People at Tauranga Hospital has moved
to the ground floor of the main hospital, with close access to a gymnasium and outpatient
facilities.
Bed numbers have increased from 35 to 50 and the old dormitory style wards have
been replaced with 14 single rooms, four twin bed rooms and seven rooms of four
beds. Psychogeriatric beds have increased, from four to 10. Better design means
a safer environment for these patients.
An attached residential ‘flat’ allows a transition for patients due to be discharged
home.
These patients can regain confidence living independently, with the support of hospital
staff who can identify issues they may need assistance with.
The BOP District Health Board funds five beds fulltime at two aged care facilities
in Tauranga for the sole use of respite care clients aged over 65. It has also secured
10 ‘Level 3’ dementia beds in the Western Bay of Plenty.
This equates to 1,825 free bed days for respite care each year. This service was
introduced in November 2006 to take some of the stress out of planning respite care
days, as these beds can be booked in advance.
The use of these beds is being monitored to ensure they are sufficient for the needs
of the community.
They are available to Support Net
clients living in the community, either alone or with a carer, who have been assessed
by Support Net as having high needs.
For more information please phone:
Community Health and Disability Services
Whakatane Hospital
Phone: 07 306 0986
Tauranga
Phone: 07 571 0093
Rotorua
Phone: 07 349 4213
Call free 0800 262 477