Barwon Health is set to open an 18-bed specialised Neurosciences Ward at University Hospital Geelong in April – a first for regional Victoria.
Located on Heath Wing 2 – the same level as the outpatient neurosciences department - the ward will comprise 16 general neurology beds and two beds for extended epilepsy monitoring and short stay admissions.
The purpose-built ward will cater for the needs of neurological patients and their conditions, such as strokes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine, Guillain–Barré syndrome and myopathies.
“The therapy for stroke has evolved dramatically over the past three years, requiring significant changes in the way we treat stroke patients,” said A/Prof Paul Talman, Barwon Health’s Director of Neurosciences.
“Part of the state-of-the-art nature of this ward is we need a state-of-the-art team delivering care,” A/Prof Talman said.
“Every member of this team plays a vital role to get the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
The new ward is set to create an employment boost for the region, with a national campaign underway to recruit staff for at least 90 positions, including enrolled nurses, registered nurses, ward clerks and patient service assistants.
