A second NSW hospital has joined an innovative pilot scheme that has paramedics working alongside other healthcare professionals to improve access to care in regional settings.
Wagga Wagga Base Hospital has joined Mudgee Hospital's emergency department in the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot, which is seeing paramedics included in a multidiscplinary team to provide care to patients in the hospital's Rapid Access Clinic.
The paramedics will be working alongside other clinical staff in the Rapid Access Clinic, which was originally developed in 2018 to help reduce waiting times in the hospital's Emergency Department.
The Rapid Access Clinic has since been expanded to offer a range of healthcare services including diagnostics, allied health, Hospital in the Home, an Infusion Clinic, minor procedures and specialist team review.
The Wagga Wagga trial will see up to two NSW Ambulance paramedics rostered on in the Rapid Access Clinic and Hospital in the Home service, working alongside regular clinic staff for a period of eight weeks.
How a paramedic works with existing Rapid Access Clinic staff as part of the multidisciplinary team in treatment areas will depend on each patient's individual needs and hospital staff will inform patients if a paramedic is involved in their care.
The trial, which is open to NSW Ambulance paramedics across the state, is evaluating how paramedics may be able to complement existing workforces in healthcare settings.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park
"In Wagga Wagga, paramedics will provide additional clinical care working alongside our dedicated doctors, nurses and allied health teams to provide treatment, and improve access to care.
"Attracting and retaining healthcare workers in regional settings is a longstanding challenge faced by every state and territory in Australia, and the NSW Government is committed to building a more supported regional health workforce through innovative initiatives like the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr
"I welcome the news that Wagga Wagga Base Hospital has been selected to trial this innovative model to improve access to care.
"Access to care in regional and rural areas is something we need to improve, and I look forward to the results of this pilot."
Quotes attributable to Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Ludford
"Murrumbidgee Local Health District has a long history of innovation in the delivery of high-quality care, so we are proud to join Mudgee Hospital in trialling another innovation - the Integrated Paramedic Workforce Model Pilot.
"Our District continues to work closely with our colleagues at NSW Ambulance to consider how and when paramedics will provide their skills, to ensure all patients receive appropriate care from appropriate staff."
