Sub-acute Rehabilitation Unit (SARU) getting back to core business
The Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Unit (SARU) at the Broken Hill Health Service is getting back to its core business as a rehabilitation ward as part of a staged transition to ‘business as normal’ for the District.
The SARU will reopen on Monday, 27 June 2022 as an inpatient rehabilitation ward following its use during the COVID-19 pandemic as a dedicated area for swabbing and COVID inpatients. It was also included in surge planning for COVID-positive patients.
The SARU will move back to its original role of a 10-bed ward designed to provide inpatients a suitable rehabilitation environment for them to transition from acute care back to their homes.
“Our planning during COVID-19 included the use of the secure SARU for COVID-19 vaccination and swabbing COVID inpatients, as well as possible use for a dedicated COVID ward,” said Mr Umit Agis, Chief Executive, Far West LHD.
“We are moving into the next stage of the pandemic and are now in a position to re-open the SARU for its designed purpose.
“This is one of those steps towards returning to ‘business as normal’ across the health service. Once again, if the situation changes, we can pivot the SARU for pandemic purposes if it is required,” said Mr Agis.
The SARU provides access to rehabilitation focussed trained staff, a rehabilitation-specific gym and daily living retraining space, promoting positive engagement in the patients’ recovery and journey back to their home environment.