NEW $3 MILLION HOME CARE SERVICE FOR GOLD COAST

More patients will be able to receive free care at home instead of hospital as a result of an innovative new $3 million healthcare support program to be trialled on the Gold Coast.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today Home Health Link will provide a range of immediate, short-term care options for public hospital patients in their own home.

“Patients will continue to receive free, quality healthcare but at home instead of staying in hospital or being admitted there in the first place,” he said.

“Importantly, this Bligh Government initiative will also help ease pressure on our busy public hospitals by reducing avoidable admissions and freeing up acute hospital beds.

“Home Health Link begins on 1 July 2008 and will be trialled on the Gold Coast for 18 months.

“It will be a 24-hour, seven days a week referral service available for eligible patients clinically assessed as suitable for care at home.

“All referrals will be co-ordinated by local GPs plus Gold Coast Hospital and Robina Hospital emergency departments, inpatient services & discharge services.”

Mr Robertson said many patients would benefit from the service including those with chronic disease, the elderly recovering from a fall, patients requiring ongoing rehabilitation, or those requiring infection control for a wound.

“Services available include nursing, allied health services, facilitated access to GP services (including home visits where required), personal care, domestic assistance, supported transport, carer support/respite, child care, medical equipment, meals, emergency accommodation, overnight support, medication at other services.

“Sometimes the best health outcomes for a patient can be achieved using services delivered away from our hospitals,” he said.

Mr Robertson said Home Health Link highlighted the Bligh Government’s commitment to manage increasing and unprecedented demand for health services on the Gold Coast.

“It’s part of Queensland Health’s strategy to meet the challenges of this ever-increasing demand on our hospitals.

“Home Health Link will help reduce avoidable hospital admissions and emergency department presentations.

“It will facilitate early discharge from hospital for some patients and reduce the risk of readmission to hospital for some former patients

“And it will help reduce access block by freeing up hospital beds for acute patients that need them.”

Mr Robertson said Home Health Link would be operated for Queensland Health on the Gold Coast by Home Support Services Queensland who were the successful tender.

“Home Support Services operates a very successful similar program in South Australia which provided over 14,000 patients with care during 2006-07.

“Access to Home Health Link will include all permanent and temporary clients within the Gold Coast City geographical area, south of Pimpama to the NSW border and west to Beaudesert Shire.

“It is expected more than 4000 care packages will be provided by Home Support Services Queensland during the 18-month pilot program,” he said.

Mr Robertson was joined at today’s launch by Ms Virginia Bullock, director of Home Support Services, and Mr Matt Carrodus, Executive Director of the Gold Coast Division of GPs, and Dr David Green, Director of the Emergency Department, Gold Coast Hospital.

Media: Paul Lynch 3234 1190 or 0408 577621