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DEPARTMENT OF GERIATRIC MEDICINE

The Royal Perth Hospital Department of Geriatric Medicine (DGM) provides a clinical service to the frail elderly (especially those with chronic disease).

The department cares for acutely ill elderly patients and provides a consulting service to other RPH departments on aged care matters.

DGM physicians also care for patients in Bentley and Swan hospitals and also the Mercy Hospital (RPH Inner City Geriatric Service). The district services comprise Assessment and Restorative Units, Geriatric Day Hospitals, Speciality Clinics for Memory and Falls and Community Outreach.

The Aged Care Assessment Program (ACAP) operates through the Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT’s) which are part of each District Service and expressed at RPH through the over-arching Physician appointments.

The ACAT’s have delegated responsibility from the Federal Government for approval of admission to residential care as well as for community care.

The department provides lead clinical support to the Fractured Neck of Femur Unit based at the Royal Perth Hospital Shenton Park Campus. It also provides a Consulting Ortho-Geriatric Service at Shenton Park and Wellington Street Campuses. Two of the DGM Physicians occupy academic positions as part of the UWA Geriatric Unit.

In addition, DGM has strong linkages with old age psychiatry at a District Hospital level as well as with the academic unit at RPH.

DGM undertakes undergraduate teaching of medical students as well as intern training and supervision of advanced trainees.

For information please call: +61 (8) 9224 2099