There are two aged care wards (also known as geriatric wards) at Balmain Hospital. They are called Lever Ward and Wakefield Ward, and both wards have 26 beds. Most patients on these wards have been transferred after a stay at another hospital, such as Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Patients on these wards are elderly people with medical conditions. Patients receive medical care which is managed by a Specialist Geriatrician. Medical investigations, such as blood tests and X-Rays, are performed on-site.
Care is provided by medical specialists, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians and psychologists. The wards are staffed by doctors and nurses 24 hours a day.
Patients are encouraged to maintain their independence and participate in the planning of their care as much as possible. If they are well enough, patients may also engage in rehabilitation therapy during their stay.
These wards provide sub-acute care. This means that if a patient becomes critically ill while staying at Balmain Hospital and needs intensive medical treatment, they may be transferred to an acute hospital, such as Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.