States first-ever nurse practitioner led CAP ward turns one
There's plenty to celebrate at Bentley Health Service, with the State's inaugural Nurse Practitioner Care Awaiting Placement (CAP) Ward marking its first anniversary.
Most CAP wards are run by medical doctors, but Ward 2 is led by nurse practitioners.
To celebrate the milestone, nurses, clinicians, allied health professionals and support staff gathered on the CAP ward for lunch complete with chocolate cake, savoury treats, balloons and garlands.
The CAP ward provides temporary care and support for patients waiting to transition into residential aged care facilities (RACF), transitional care, Time to Think placements (short-term residential care) or other respite care services. Most patients stay for around two and a
half weeks.
The ward is led by a dedicated nurse practitioner, part-time geriatric consultant, supported by nurses and allied health professionals, including social workers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Ward 2 Nurse Practitioner Anastasia Mattingley said the ward's success had exceeded all expectations.
"It was initially opened as part of a winter strategy for bed flow for a four-month trial period, but the funding kept being extended and its future is now secured until the end of the 2027 financial year," she said.
"The ward cares for up to 20 older patients, many of whom have dementia or mobility issues. It's a fast-paced environment because patients are constantly arriving and being discharged.”
“This model of care allows non-acute patients to be looked after while awaiting a RACF bed, therefore freeing up beds elsewhere in the East Metropolitan Health Service," Anastasia explained
Congratulations team – we hoped you enjoy your special anniversary celebrations.
"The ward cares for up to 20 older patients, many of whom have dementia or mobility issues. It's a fast-paced environment because patients are constantly arriving and being discharged.”
– Anastasia Mattingley, Nurse Practitioner