A two-year program keeping locals out of hospital but close to care is being trialled in Logan.
The patient flow initiative involves Logan Hospital keeping contact with recently discharged patients to ensure they are receiving the general practice (GP) care they need.
The state government has backed the trial with a $2.4 million investment, which it hopes will prevent re-admissions and reduce strain on one of Queensland’s busiest hospitals.
Vyapti Pate, the lead practise nurse at Wellcare Medical Centre in Kingston, said patients were responding well to the trial.
“So far it has been good – the patients are appreciating the efforts,” Ms Pate said.
“The whole idea of this service is to ensure the patient feels safe and the patient feels reassured there is someone out there in the community after their hospital discharge to look after their condition.”
The program works by identifying eligible patients at Logan Hospital and referring them to patient care facilitators.
There are 10 facilitators located across the city who will then contact the patient within four days of discharge to assess their health needs and “ensure appropriate follow-up care” with a GP is planned and booked.
Facilitators will help schedule and book the appointments, and even expedite appointments if needed.
Ms Pate said the program was ideal for elderly patients.
“And with patients who have been in hospital with chronic conditions, or patients who have been going to hospital very regularly,” she said.
“It’s basically to prevent further hospitalisation.”
The former president of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, Maria Boulton, said the initiative would reduce demand and keep patients out of hospital.
“We know that if a patient sees their GP within two days of being discharged from
hospital, they are 33 per cent less likely to be readmitted to hospital in the first week,” Dr Boulton said.
“GPs are critical for maintaining the patient’s long-term health, and facilitating better
communication between hospitals and general practice will ensure patients receive
the post-discharge care they need to recover through continuity of care by their GP.
“We commend the state government for trialling this initiative, which is significant
for general practice and their patients, and we hope to see it rolled out statewide.”
Waterford MP and Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said residents and families in Logan “deserve quality healthcare closer to home”.
“We know the south east corner, particularly Logan, is experiencing significant population growth and this new program is one way we are ensuring Queenslanders can access care quicker and closer to home.”
