NEWCASTLE and Hunter aged care residents are set to benefit with the launch of a new urgent aged care In-reach team, easing pressure on local emergency departments.
The Residential Aged Care (RAC) team will respond to the medical and physical health needs of older people in aged care facilities for non-life-threatening conditions.
Care will be provided by a multidisciplinary team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, geriatricians, career medical officers and physiotherapists from 8am to 4pm seven days a week, at no cost to the patient.
The system will refer patients to the geriatric urgent care service through an aged care emergency line which will determine the level of care for the patient which may include telephone or video calls or an on-site visit.
The In-reach team will cover the areas for John Hunter, Belmont, Cavalry Mater, Tomaree and Manning hospitals.
It's being rolled out in a staged approach and is expected to be operating in all 65 residential Aged Care facilities in the region by November 12, 2024.
The Newcastle Residential Aged Care-In-reach forms part of the NSW Government's $124 million commitment over two years to deliver 25 Urgent Care Services in NSW by mid-2025.
Hunter New England Local Health District executive director operations, Susan Heyman thanks the government for their support in delivering the new service.
"Our talented and experienced clinicians will help provide immediate assistance to determine the right level of care required," she said.
Regional Health minister Ryan Park said the urgent care service would enable residents to receive high quality and expert care without leaving their familiar environment.
"... providing a better patient experience and easing pressure on the region's busy hospitals," he said.
"I am so pleased to see innovative models of care like this one being introduced to support patients to receive care in the most appropriate setting."
