Exciting news from Ward 9 at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital! 

Our 24-bed sub-acute Aged Care unit has undergone a fantastic transformation. 

Ward 9 provides short-term care for patients who have completed their acute episode of care. The team provides support to patients and their families in planning their long-term care needs, and assists with transition back to home, access to residential aged care or whilst awaiting rehabilitation following a fracture. 

In a collaborative approach between the ward, Continuing Care team and Garden and Grounds Coordinator, Ward 9 has undergone a number of improvements which includes the recent transformation of the balcony spaces. 

Continuing Care Divisional Director, Belinda Rickard says that the transformation is “truly impressive and it is a far better place for patients”.  

Garden and Grounds Coordinator Steven Wells, who assisted with the design choice, says that the collaborative project has “significantly improved the therapeutic feel of the space”. 

The ward, which was historically designed for mental health, is now more relaxed and homely. It has also helped reduce agitation amongst patients. 

“Hospital spaces can be quite confronting, and sometimes wards are repurposed to be used for different patient cohorts over their lifetime,” says Steven. 

“In previous use of the ward, these high balcony walls were installed for security and safety reasons. The perspex panels have faded over time and become opaque, revealing a not-so appealing view of the roof.” 

Nature-based imagery was chosen for the installation on the two balconies. Strategically, the vinyls have been installed only in the lower section to give a sense of distance, but also give a sense of reality with the real sky blending in with the images. 

The nursing staff on Ward 9 are thrilled to see their patients sitting outside experiencing a sense of “normalcy” in their hospital journey.  

“The stay on Ward 9 for some patients can be long. We wanted to create an area where patients, their families, staff or volunteers could access the outdoors in a safe and relaxing environment,” says Nurse Unit Manager, Genevieve Jepsen. 

The family of a recent patient has described the balcony as “a saving grace” for their dad, who had a purpose each day to get out of bed, water the garden and sweep both balconies. 

A current family has watched the recent transformation and stated “it looks so homely and welcoming out there now”.