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Media Releases My electorate office distributes information which is important to the Southport electorate in particular, and the Gold Coast in general. This information goes to the print and electronic media, however due to space or time constraints it doesn’t always get printed or broadcast. Through my website however, you can access all news stories which emanate from my office and thus keep up-to-date with State Government issues relating to Southport.
New $3 Million Home Care Service for Gold Coast |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 04 2008 |
| Media Releases >> |
More patients will be able to receive free care at home instead of in 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 and treatment options for public hospital patients away from a hospital setting.
"Patients will continue to receive free quality healthcare in their own homes instead of staying in hospital or being admitted there in the first place," he said.
"Importantly, this Bligh Government initiative will also help reduce pressure on our busy public hospitals and free up acute hospital beds for patients who need them.
"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 to Home Health Link will be co-ordinated by Gold Coast Hospital and Robina Hospital emergency departments, inpatient services & discharge services; as well as local GPs."
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 serious 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 person 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.
"Its part of strategy being utilised by Queensland Health on the Gold Coast to meet the challenges of this unprecedented demand.
"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 by some former patients.
"And it will help free 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.
Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 10:00 AM
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