Kalamunda Hospital Anderton Ward (Palliative Care Unit)

Kalamunda Hospital has seen focus in its specialist inpatient palliative care service grow in its 40 years of operation. Just in the last few years alone, the palliative care ward has gone from a four bed unit to a 20 bed unit.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Cheryl Potter said the service provides comprehensive specialist medical, nursing and allied health care based on the unique needs of the patient, carer and family when facing a life limiting illness.

“We’ve always had a good reputation in palliative care and we’d like to build on this,” Cheryl said. “I believe we have an opportunity to position Kalamunda Hospital as the centre of excellence for palliative care.”

Health Minister Roger Cook visited Kalamunda Hospital in June where he reviewed the infrastructure improvements underway as part of a $1.9million upgrade, and took time to chat with staff.

“Kalamunda Hospital is a vital part of the hospital network and I welcome both the improvements to the building and the scope of services this hospital provides,” The Minister said.

“This includes ensuring patients and families now have access to high-quality end-of-life palliative care at a time when they are possibly at their most vulnerable.”

Projects part of the $1.9 million upgrade include:

• Installation of new passive fire barriers to comply with the Building Code of Australia
• Upgrades to the main reception area to improve accessibility
• Removal of external asbestos cladding
• Replacement of the 40-year-old roof, gutters and flashings
• Upgrading of the switch boards to essential power
• New air-conditioning to almost half of the hospital