Recently awarded the Southern NSW Local Health District Quality Award, in the category of Keeping People Healthy. 

Heather McDonald Enrolled Nurse (EN) Wellness Centre, Deborah Webb EN, and Senior Nurse manager Mona Timo have successfully coordinated the program since it was developed and implemented in 2014.

“We have gone from 30 clients, to over 100,” said Mrs McDonald.

And compared with the previous year there has been a significant reduction in hospital admissions in 2017/2018.

The program avoided 107 inpatient bed-days, saving $104,657, and potentially saved the health service $1021 per bed day for clients admitted with chronic disease.

The service provides pathways to keep people out of hospital beds, instead focusing on the health welfare of a person that includes social activities and mental stimulation.

It runs three separate sessions per day: maintenance, chronic disease management and hip and knee rehabilitation and exercise, these changes have allowed the centre to increase turnover of clients to maximise the capacity within each program. 

"A lot of medical people too recognise that prevention is better than cure, so that's what we're all about rather than admissions into hospital," Enrolled Nurse Deborah Webb

The Wellness Centre works with anybody in the community, not just the disadvantaged, socially isolated, or disabilities and aged people. 

It empowers them to manage their health in a supportive environment, a person centred approach to keeping people healthy and at home, said Mrs McDonald. 

Of the 13 district winners, three have since been chosen to go on to represent Southern NSW District in the state Quality Awards.