Northgate House upgrades
26 May 2023
A schedule of improvements will take place at specialist residential neurobehavioral support unit, Northgate House, to deliver upgraded amenities for residents and staff.
The works will include two sensory rooms to provide contemporary quiet spaces for residents to help reduce stress and agitation. The sensory rooms will be equipped with specialised equipment and activities to support residents with complex care needs.
Further upgrades at Northgate House include recreational amenities and outdoor areas, including landscaping, new lighting, and new storage areas.
Improvements will also be made to staff areas, with a new, larger staff room planned to support staff meetings, training and wellbeing initiatives.
Recruitment is underway for a music therapist, to assist residents in reducing stress, managing pain and to encourage communication.
Northgate House will remain operational while the upgrades take place and residents will continue to receive high-quality care while the works are undertaken.
Residents and families have been advised of the activities and will continue to be updated as the works progress.
Areas for improvement – including creating more space for residents and staff – were identified by the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist and Community Visitor Scheme in April. Recommendations include access to quiet spaces for residents as well as staff on breaks, new lighting, including dimmers, and a new IT storage cupboard.
The Chief Psychiatrist noted the high quality of care delivered to residents by staff members at Northgate House.
Northgate House is a specialist residential service for older people with dementia and enduring mental health conditions, with 13 residents currently in the facility.
Quotes attributable to NALHN CEO, Maree Geraghty
These upgrades will ensure Northgate House can continue to offer the best possible care to residents. Residents will continue to receive high quality care throughout these upgrades.
We welcome these improvements that will allow for additional programs, such as music therapy, to support residents and assist them to reduce stress.