From 11 June 2018, the Northern NSW Local Health District (the LHD) has scaled up the current practice of making an appointment for patients with their regular GP upon discharge from its inpatient facilities. At the time of patient discharge, hospital ward staff will contact general practitioners to make a follow up appointment on behalf of patients. The general practice can then book a priority appointment for the patient and see them on discharge to provide vital follow up care.
The appointment details are given to patients on a GP Appointment Card (pictured).
The initiative is currently underway in several facilities and will be rolled out across all wards this winter.
This does not include patients such as day-surgery patients who are supported by existing follow up processes. This initiative will be evaluated by the LHD at the end of winter with a view to continue this practice ongoing.
Residential Aged Care Facility residents and those patients who decline an appointment or don’t have a GP won’t have a GP appointment made for them but will be included in the evaluation process.
This integrated care initiative ensures ongoing success in not only reducing avoidable representations or admissions but also as a vital patient flow strategy to ensure that we enhance the safe and timely transfer of care of our patients.
For more information, please contact Jambavati Excell, Project Support Coordinator, Integrated Care NNSWLHD on (02) 6620 7565.