Gold Coast Health is preparing to open a 12-bed Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit and 10-bed Acute Cognitive Unit (ACU) at Gold Coast University Hospital in September.
Both units will be located on the ground floor of the new 'H Block' at Gold Coast University Hospital, which will be connected to the main hospital by a walkway.
The GEM Unit will offer sub-acute inpatient care, including geriatric evaluation, care for people with cognitive impairment, rehabilitation, and restorative care.
The new ACU will provide short-term stabilisation and care planning for patients living with dementia who experience severe Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD).
But will it be enough?
Last month, The Weekly SOURCE reported there are more than 500 patients stuck in Queensland hospitals waiting for dementia care or residential aged care.
A statement from Gold Coast Health said, "With an increasing number of people living with dementia in the community, Gold Coast Health is taking significant steps to ensure that our health service is compassionate, safe and responsive to the needs of patients and their families. Co-location of these services support seamless patient transfers and service integration."
Construction is nearly complete, with a standalone 24-bed GEM Unit to open later on the lower ground level, bringing the total GEM beds to 36 in H Block.
