Patient group reaches out to vulnerable

A GROUP representing Tasmanian hospital patients is building relationships with community organisations as part of a program to help vulnerable people after they are discharged from acute care.

Tasmanian Patient Health Group co-founder Jim Franke said the program would help discharged patients, such as those with disabilities, diseases or mental health troubles, with access to support services.

Mr Franke said the group had struck up a relationship with LINC Tasmania’s 26 Ten literacy and numeracy program and was talking to Mission Australia, Mental Health Tasmania and the Tasmanian Aboriginal Health Service about partnerships.

Mr Franke said the initiative was a holistic approach that enabled vulnerable and disadvantaged patients to be looked after when they left hospital.

“Patients with mental health issues are left to their own devices when they leave hospital,” he said.

“This is about providing services for when people in need leave hospital and giving them information on how to keep out of hospital too.”

The TPHG will hold a heath forum on Tuesday at Hobart’s Town Hall to discuss issues within the system.

Speakers at the forum include Royal Hobart Hospital Medical Staff Association chairman Frank Nicklason, Health and Community Services Union’s Tim Jacobson, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation’s Neroli Ellis and Hobart Alderman Helen Burnet.

Mr Franke said public feedback from the forum would form part of TPHG’s submission to the Legislative Council’s inquiry into Tasmania’s acute health services.

A subcommittee plans to call for submissions for the inquiry by August 18.

Tuesday’s forum will run from 12.30-1.30pm.