If you haven't been there for a while then you are in for a surprise.

The Health Service has embraced the future and is utilising technology to assist in the care of patients.

Healthcare technology is being revolutionised worldwide and Boorowa Hospital is keeping up the pace.

"Workstations on wheels," which are computers that are able to be located near the patient's bedside, allow access to up to date patient medical records.

"Point of Care Testing" (blood testing) gives quick diagnosis and "Telehealth" ensures direct access to major hospitals and consultant specialists.

With these advancements in medicine, Boorowa is able to effectively serve its community and surrounding towns.

So brace yourself for the future as health practice evolves into a more sustainable, effective and efficient model!

The Facilities

Within the Health Service (Phone: 6385 3004) there are a number of associated departments including:

Emergency Department

A 24-hour, seven days a week, two bed Emergency Department (ED), staffed by nurses, and an On Call Doctor with access to specialist medical advice, including Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital, allows patients who present to the ED to have access to modern medical care.

The ED is supported by a capable and caring Paramedic service with access to ambulances and medical helicopters for the transfer of patients.

Acute Care

While nobody wants to go to hospital by choice, there are occasions you must attend for more than a visit.

Boorowa's six acute beds provide accommodation in such circumstances.

Whether you need a short, local stay for a minor ailment or to recuperate closer to home after a major procedure at a large hospital, Boorowa is able to provide the care and service you require.

There are no strict visiting hours but we do ask you to respect patient's wishes if they do not want visitors or the staff request you not to visit at a particular time.

Aged Care

A key component in the complex is the Residential Aged Care area.

With 12 beds in individual rooms, a large living and dining area and a homely atmosphere, residents are responsibly looked after by nursing staff.

Activities Officer, Di Slingsby, provides stimulating emotional, intellectual and social experiences for residents throughout the week.

It's common to see Di reading to residents, talking about old times, playing music and games or providing hand and foot massages.

The Activities Officer was a wonderful addition for aged care residents in 2014.

With relatives and friends able to visit throughout the day, sit with residents in the Serenity Garden, or take a meander around the grounds, the facility is a pleasant residence. Residents are also able to come and go with family as often as they want.

The team

Boorowa Hospital is staffed by Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses and Assistants in Nursing.

Staff are trained in current methods and technologies as well as providing daily, old fashioned care and compassion for patients.

The hospital team is led by Kerry Lindeman, Senior Nurse Manager and Cecelia Walsh, Nurse Manager.

The nursing staff is ably supported by Health Share Support Staff (all kitchen and cleaning personnel) and Asset Management staff (maintenance) as well as the Administration Staff.

Allied Health Services, Clinics and Other Health Services

Our small country hospital has X-Ray, physiotherapy, visiting optometry and visiting podiatry services.

A referral from your doctor is required for X-ray and physiotherapy.

Generally, there is no need to access these services outside Boorowa once you have a referral.

All it takes is a phone call to make an appointment for any of the above allied health services.

While complex and complicated radiography services are serviced in other areas, the radiography department is able to meet the needs of less complex X-ray requests.

A radiographer is available one day each week.

The X-ray department is excited about becoming connected to the digital world of radiography with new digital technology being provided by Bendigo Bank and the Hospital Auxiliary.

The Physiotherapy department recently received an upgrade in equipment courtesy of the Hospital Auxiliary, so that Felicity Corcoran and Felicity McGrath, our local physiotherapists, could more effectively provide care for patients.

The "Felicities" are here on Monday and Wednesday.

Other Health Services

There are specialist women's health programs and clinics, child immunisation clinics, child and family health services, mental health services, speech pathology, access to a dietitian, drug and alcohol counselling, occupational therapy, diabetes education programs and community nursing services.

Each Monday to Friday in the Community Health Building (the Arthur Cotterill Cottage), a health and wellness clinic is run between 9-10am.

Nursing staff change dressings, take blood pressure and blood sugar levels and provide general information or reassurance about physical, emotional and mental health if needed.

This service is available to all members of the community.

A special attribute of our health service

Boorowa Health Service has the capacity to provide palliative and end of life care in peaceful and pleasant surroundings.

With the Serenity Garden available to relatives and friends at these times, there is a place for everyone.

Staff, by thoughtful gestures and gentle ways, ensure that patients, relatives and friends are well supported in a time of need.

Palliative care at home is also a key service provided by the hospital and the Community Health centre and is available with just a phone call to connect to the service.

Things you might not know about our hospital

Our community hospital was established in 1903.

Prior to that, there were a number of small, private hospitals.

The current building was opened on July 14, 1996 having been rebuilt after the fire.

Over the years there have been a number of matrons.

Some may remember Matron Armour during WW11.

We also had local identities Ailsa Malone, Gwen Malone and Margaret Rose.

Visiting medical officers since the 1940s have included: Doctors: le Fevre, Liggins, Kelf, Sharrof, Cam, Conneely, Krupski, Morgan, Scott and currently Dr Win. There are others who have attended in that time.

Perhaps you can recall who they were.

Matron Gwen Malone is still active with the Hospital Auxiliary.

Two staff who worked in the 1940s are still with us - Phoebe Stuart and Mavis Costello.

Community transport cars are garaged at the hospital and available for use.

To access the service please phone Young Community Transport 6382 1518.

Four nurses have, together, over 200 years of service to the Boorowa hospital community.

They are Trishie Stephens, Sonia Shean, Barbara Cooper and Carmel Tess.

Barbara Cooper has recently retired.

Chemical processing of X-rays will be phased out in 2016.

The Nurses home is still used.

Historical photographs are in the corridors.

All wards and rooms have day/night shutters.

Boorowa is represented by the Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) at community level in Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).

Members meet monthly and any concerns can be left with the members to be raised at the meetings with the hospital and MLHD.

It's members are Phil Armitage, David Evans, Judy McGuinness, Deb Cotter, Polly Picker, Narelle Croker and Chris Carter.

An active Hospital Auxiliary meets each month to fundraise for additional needs of the hospital.

Dr Win is expected to be joined by additional visiting medical officers in the future.

Any appointments, queries or information about services is available from the hospital on 6385 3004.

Boorowa Health Service provides a modern, comprehensive, community health service ready for the challenges of the next decade.

It aims to enable good health outcomes through promoting its services and connecting with the community.

A celebration of the hospital for the 20th anniversary of its official opening will be held at the Ex-Services Club on July 30, 2016 with a Chicken, Champagne and Canape Cocktail Party.

We invite you to come and celebrate with us.