St John of God Burwood Hospital celebrating 60 years of care

15 Mar 2017

15 March 2017

St John of God Burwood Hospital Chief Executive Officer Mark Ayling said since then the hospital had evolved to provide dedicated mental health care in response to the needs of the community.

“Our culture of care and research in perinatal mental health care has helped make us a leader in the field and we offer the only specialist inpatient program in New South Wales for mothers who are struggling with perinatal mental health issues,” he said.

“Furthermore, we are committed to offering the most up-to-date treatment for patients, providing a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient therapy including management of anxiety, distress tolerance, and drug and alcohol,” he said.

Mr Ayling said the hospital has also extended its care to the wider community, particularly those at risk of homelessness.

“The Casa Venegas service is an accommodation support service for people at risk of homelessness with an enduring mental illness, which is now 20 years established,” he said.

“Hundreds of people have benefitted from the accommodation and support the service offers to help them transition to independent living.”

A $15 million upgrade to the 95-bed hospital in 2014 enhanced inpatient areas as well as adding a dedicated Counselling and Therapy Centre and Mother and Baby Unit.

“This upgrade has ensured our facilities remain comfortable and up-to-date for our patients, visitors and caregivers alike,” Mark said.

The 60th birthday celebrations included a formal ceremony, led by Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Terry Brady, with a performance by the Santa Sabina Girls School choir to the more than 200 people in attendance including community members, current and former hospital staff, carers and consumers.

The ceremony also recognised long term caregivers, including Maryanne Azizi who has worked in the hospital’s housekeeping department for 30 years.