A NSW Government website
The Transition Care Unit (Morts Dock Ward Level 2) at Balmain Hospital is a speciality unit designed for older people being discharged from hospital who are medically stable but need more time to recover. It is a funded initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and the NSW Ministry of Health.
The unit offers an extended patient stay of up to 12 weeks. It aims to help patients regain independence and increase confidence to transition safely from hospital to home or to permanent residential care during their recovery. Our services include low intensity therapies, twice a week physiotherapy, full-time nursing care and medical assistance.
While staying in the Transition Care Unit, patients will be actively involved in decisions regarding their care and discharge. A care plan is created specifically for patients, in consultation with them and their family. Staff will work with patients to achieve their goals and outcomes.
The Transition Care Unit provides a friendly, home-like environment. Patients can wear their regular clothing and footwear in the Unit, and are welcome to bring comforts from home, such as special pillows or doonas for a single bed. A washing machine and dryer are available in the unit for use by patients free of charge.
The Transitional Aged Care Program provides a 12-week package of services including low intensity therapies and personal care as part of an ongoing but slower recovery process. The Unit has access to full-time nursing care and medical assistance.
Group exercise classes are held twice a week in the physiotherapy gym. The classes target strength, flexibility and balance to maximise your independence and improve your mobility and physical functioning. Exercises are gentle with minimal impact and are designed for the older age group. You can learn safe and simple exercises that can be continued when you return home.
In accordance with the guidelines set by the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing, you will be asked to contribute to the cost of your care in the Transitional Care Unit. The daily fee is based on 85 per cent of the current aged pension.
Medication that you need during your stay in the Transition Care Unit is provided by Balmain Community Pharmacy. You will receive a separate, fortnightly invoice for your medication costs.
Please avoid bringing valuables and where possible label your belongings.
Visiting hours are daily from 10am–8pm.
Patients are able to leave the Hospital to go on “gate leave” with family or friends, provided you are well enough. This includes overnight leave for up to seven nights to trial at home care. Your treating team will be able to discuss this further with you.