Award-winning rehab Ward 4 at Bentley recognised among the best
The Ward 4 Rehabilitation Unit at Bentley Health Service (BHS) has been recognised as one of Australia and New Zealand’s top rehabilitation services after winning a prestigious award for its reconditioning program.
The award, presented by the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre (AROC), recognises outstanding rehabilitation teams based on independently – analysed patient outcome data rather than nominations.
Reconditioning is a vital part of rehabilitation which supports patients to regain strength, mobility and functional abilities after an illness, injury or surgery.
Ward 4 Acting Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) Coreen Adam explained why the award meant so much.
“We are a large ward with 29 beds, dealing with people aged over 65 who require rehabilitation following acute medical or surgical admissions,” she said.
“Our success is down to effective teamwork. Nurses work alongside Allied Health staff and our two Geriatric Consultants – Dr Joshua Chong and Dr Irene Boyatzis. Everyone plays their part to improve outcomes.”
Analysing data and recognising achievement
Ward 4 received the award after AROC compared rehabilitation outcomes across Australia and New Zealand using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), an internationally recognised assessment of a patient's functional ability.
Data to the end of 2025 showed Ward 4 discharged rehabilitation patients an average of seven days sooner than the national average, while patients also achieved FIM scores two points higher than the national average.
In 2025, the ward cared for 375 rehabilitation patients, with the most common conditions including orthopaedic fractures, medical reconditioning and traumatic brain injuries.
Senior Occupational Therapist Callum McGougan said the award recognised the efforts of the entire team.
"This achievement belongs to everyone – our Allied Health therapists, nurses, support staff and geriatricians,” Callum said.
“It demonstrates our commitment to continually improving the rehabilitation experience and positive outcomes for our patients."
This achievement belongs to everyone everyone – our Allied Health therapists, nurses, support staff and geriatricians,”
– Senior Occupational Therapist Callum McGoughan