Australian-first as Fremantle Hospital receives national recognition for excellent older adult care

Fremantle Hospital has become the first hospital in Australia to receive the Level 2 “Committed to Care Excellence for Older Adults” recognition as an Age-Friendly Health System, marking a major milestone in its approach to care for older adults.

The Age-Friendly Health Systems (external site) program, an international movement led by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, recognises organisations that demonstrate consistent, system‑wide commitment to high‑quality care for older people.

With most patients at Fremantle Hospital aged over 65, this honour reflects the hospital’s passion for delivering patient-centred care that is not only safe and evidence‑based but also aligned with patient goals.

The recognition highlights the hospital’s leadership in adopting practices that improve safety, dignity and outcomes for older people.

The award reflects the hospital’s commitment to the internationally recognised 4Ms Framework of care - What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility - a model that ensures older adults receive care tailored to their needs.

The achievement is the result of years of focused work across clinical teams, allied health, and support services.

Staff have implemented new screening tools, strengthened communication with families and carers, and redesigned care pathways to reduce preventable complications such as delirium, falls, and medication-related harm.

Fremantle Hospital Coordinator – Older Adults, Donna McLeod, said the early impact of the initiative is already clear.

“Since introducing these Age-Friendly practices, we’ve seen real, measurable improvements for our older patients,” said Donna,

“We’ve seen a decrease in unplanned ED presentations for older adults and an overall increase in patient safety.

“We’re able to get older adults back home or into community care easily.”

This recognition is just the beginning of continued excellence in aged care at South Metropolitan Health Service with Fiona Stanley Hospital recently receiving level 1 recognition and the approach will be implemented at Cockburn Health.

Our teams will continue rolling out these Age-Friendly practices across additional wards while collaborating with community partners to support healthy ageing beyond the hospital walls.

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