This funding will see to the completion of all the design phases for a new 36-bed facility to replace the existing 1970s-built Merindah Lodge.
Welcoming the announcement, SWH CEO Craig Fraser says the design will include 36 spacious single bedrooms with individual ensuites and sitting areas. These bedrooms will be designed using the concept of ‘households’. There’ll be seven bedrooms per household, and each household will have its own dedicated kitchen, dining, lounge and break-out sitting areas.
‘This announcement recognises the needs of designing appropriate spaces for our aged care residents. The design work will focus on dementia-friendly living principles and on providing contemporary, best practice care. This is a fantastic outcome for us all: our communities and our residents,’ he says.
‘The design will also ensure that state of the art equipment and technology is considered and will provide an aged care experience that is expected not only today, but also for future generations of people requiring high quality care,’ explains SWH Service Development executive director Jamie Brennan.
‘The design will support our hardworking, dedicated aged care nurses, our GPs and our support staff to deliver the best possible care to the communities of Camperdown and surrounding areas.’
Work will now focus on engaging with our residents, staff and broader community to help us design the most modern and contemporary aged care facility anywhere in rural Australia.
This exciting State Budget announcement follows hot on the tail of yesterday’s where we were granted $10.9 million to improve our acute mental health inpatient unit and, also, add another five mental health beds.
PHOTO: Craig Fraser, Camperdown campus manager Janine Dureau-Finn, aged care services manager Leanne Lucas, maintenance manager Les Harrison and Jamie Brennan. Photo courtesy of The Standard and photographer Anthony Brady.