Hundreds of older and vulnerable patients have avoided unnecessary trips to the Emergency Department (ED) over the past 12 months, thanks to the Illawarra's first specialised outreach program for residents living in aged care facilities.
The Aged Care Outreach Service (ACOS), run by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, involves a team of specialist nurses, doctors, and other clinicians who provide in-home medical care to aged care residents.
The service treats a range of conditions including urinary tract infections, chest infections, acute delirium, minor injuries, dehydration, and wound management.
The ACOS service has seen 1871 patients over the past year, with 1508 of those safely treated in their home environment without the need to go to hospital.
Previously, Residential Aged Care Facilities unable to provide the clinical care required, have had few alternatives than to call an ambulance for transfer to an Emergency Department when residents have needed a higher level of assessment or treatment.
If a resident's condition cannot be managed by the ACOS team, they are still transferred to an ED. The program also facilitates direct admissions to hospital wards for people requiring a higher level of care, which means patients avoid extended waits in the ED.
All Residential Aged Care Facilities in the Illawarra now have access to the service. Planning for the Shoalhaven roll-out continues and is expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Ryan Park:
"The results achieved by this service in its first 12 months have been nothing short of extraordinary.
"To see an 80 percent reduction in the number of vulnerable patients who otherwise would have needed to go to hospital is exceptional.
"More than 1500 residents have received care without having to leave their aged care facility, not only reducing the impact of an unnecessary trip to the ED, but also contributing to reducing wait times for emergency care services.
"This is an exceptional example of how a relatively simple concept can have major benefits, and I congratulate the team on their first year of making a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of aged care residents and their families."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:
"By any assessment the early results of this program improve outcomes for older residents needing care while relieving some of the pressure on busy emergency departments like Wollongong Hospital's.
"While this initiative is making a huge difference and is a great help it does not remove the need for our region to attract investment in aged care services and facilities to help alleviate pressure on other parts of the health and hospital system."
Quotes attributable to Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:
"The Aged Care Outreach Service is a wonderful initiative of the Minns Labor Government that is making a real difference for patients attending emergency departments across the Illawarra, including Shellharbour Hospital.
"Aged Care residents can now take advantage of fantastic in-home medical care at their aged-care facility, reducing wait times at our busy ED's."
Quotes attributable to Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:
"The Aged Care Outreach Service is a respectful and thoughtful service for our aged care residents. It's heartening to see such a successful initiative that allows our elderly to receive the care they need at home in their own environment without the stress of attending a hospital. To remain in their own familiar surroundings and receive this service is a testament to how we can improve health outcomes by bringing medical care directly to our loved ones.
"The Aged Care Outreach Service assists with easing the strain on our health system too. This program proves, we can deliver more efficient healthcare while ensuring that our elderly are treated with the dignity and care they deserve.
"I know how important it is for our older residents to feel safe and supported. This service provides peace of mind for families, knowing their loved ones can receive excellent care in the comfort of their own home."
Quotes attributable to Member for South Coast Liza Butler:
"The Aged Care Outreach Service has transformed care for aged care residents, with over 1,500 patients treated at home, avoiding unnecessary hospital visits.
"This initiative ensures vulnerable residents receive care at home, reducing stress and maintaining dignity while also reducing wait times in our hospitals.
"The dedication of the ACOS team has been key to improving care for the elderly in our community. I'm thrilled the service will expand to the Shoalhaven by year's end and I congratulate everyone involved."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Kiama Dr Sarah Kaine MLC:
"This is an important community service, ensuring some of the most vulnerable members of our community receive the care they need, without the extra stress of a hospital visit.
"It is fantastic that all Residential Aged Care Facilities in the Illawarra now have access to the service, and I look forward to the roll-out across the Shoalhaven and the benefits this will bring for local aged care residents and their families"
