The Integrated Geriatric Emergency Medicine (iGEM) initiative based out of Blacktown Hospital is significantly reducing hospital stays for older patients presenting from Residential Aged Care Facilities.
A spotlight was recently shone on the small unit as an example of excellence in Western Sydney, featured by Gabriella Rogers for Nine News.
When 86-year-old Evelyn complained of chest pain, her nursing home called the hospital, where she was admitted to the iGem unit.
This specialised five bed unit, within the hospital’s emergency department, creates an environment more conducive to older patients.
Evelyn’s daughter Deborah says the difference was immediately noticeable.
“There wasn’t that busyness that you have in emergency,” Debbie said.
Low noise and calming music is played, which is especially helpful for people with conditions like dementia, and senior clinicians engage with family and carers about treatment decisions.
Excellence at Blacktown Hospital's elderly iGEM unit highlighted on NINE News
The introduction of this unit has had a tremendous impact on patient and carer experience.
Between 1 July 2024 and 30 January 2025 – over 600 patients accessed care through iGEM.
The average length of stay before the iGem unit was between 7 and 10 days.
Blacktown Hospital General Manager says the benefits from the trial extend well beyond the unit.
“It has led to fewer falls and hospital admissions. 88% of the patients that came through the unit went back to the aged care facility,” Brad said.
New South Wales Ryan Park commends the program, and the staff behind it for their innovation.
“Thanks to this initiative at Blacktown Hospital, they’re spending less time in hospitals, and more time in a comfortable home environment,” Minister for Health, Ryan Park said.
“That’s better for them and it’s better for the health system.”