The new unit will take its first official patients on Tuesday.

The purpose designed unit, formerly known as Medical Ward B, will accommodate up to 11 aged care patients and meet the specific needs of older patients.

South Coast MP Shelley Hancock and Kiama MP Gareth Ward inspected the upgrade on Monday, which as well as 11-beds includes a patient lounge, a meeting room and dedicated staff room.

The central foyer area has been opened up and brightened significantly with with large amounts of natural light.

Shoalhaven Hospital general manager Ian Power said the new unit would improve service for patients.

“The improvement here is great for patient safety particularly as we have an environment with a large number of over 85-year-olds,” he said.

“This provides an environment where, particularly in an area like falls, it is easy for us to monitor falls. It’s light and airy and easier for the patients.

“Our team continues to work on ways to improve and continue to improve facilities.”

He said another special feature was the number of bathrooms and how the bathrooms were designed.

“They are a key thing for us. That is where a lot of risk factors are for falls,” he said.

“That’s one of the big differences we have seen from this unit compared to the old unit.

“It allows our staff to care for and monitor patients in a much more welcome and safe environment.”

He said the hospital was also advertising to appoint a third geriatrician to focus on health care of elderly people.

Mrs Hancock said the new aged care unit was part of a series of recent construction works at Shoalhaven Hospital funded by the Berejiklian Government.

“The 11-bed unit is a fantastic addition to the Shoalhaven and caters to our local region, which has an ageing population,” she said.

Mrs Hancock said the government consulted with hospital staff, patients and medical professionals to get the unit right.

“I congratulate the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District on their continued works to improve this facility,” she said.

“This is really a first. We have other units similar to this in other areas but they provide services in a different way. To be presented here with this model of care is pretty special for the Shoalhaven. I’m really excited about it.”

The new unit is part of a $5 million package of works funded by the government including the recently completed $1.8 million redevelopment and expansion of the emergency department and the construction of an additional $1.5 million operating theatre designed specifically for endoscopy services.

Mr Ward welcomed the new addition to the hospital and was pleased to see it completed prior to the peak winter season.

“I am delighted to see this enhancement of services specifically for older members in our community who are often vulnerable and require more specialised care,” Mr Ward said.

The government has also announced $8 million to improve the parking facilities at the Shoalhaven Hospital, which will allow for a minimum additional 220 spaces, which Mrs Hancock said would be delivered  prior to the next election.