The Integrated Geriatric Emergency Medicine (iGEM) initiative based out of Blacktown Hospital is significantly reducing hospital stays for older patients presenting from Residential Aged Care Facilities.
This specialised five bed unit, within the hospital's emergency department, creates an environment more conducive to older patients - including:
- Higher nurse to patient ratios;
- Senior clinicians who engage with family and carers about treatment decisions;
- Low noise and calming music - which is especially helpful for people with conditions like dementia.
The introduction of this unit has had a tremendous impact on patient and carer experience.
Between 1 July 2024 and 30 January 2025 - over 600 patients accessed care through iGEM .
The average length of stay before the iGem unit was between 7 and 10 days.
Now about 90 per cent of patients will return to their residential aged care facility within 24 hours, where hospital-level care is continued in a familiar and comfortable environment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"This is a specially designed unit for older patients - tailored to meet their sometimes complex needs.
"Thanks to this initiative at Blacktown Hospital, they're spending less time in hospitals, and more time in a comfortable home environment.
"That's better for them and it's better for the health system."
