New service eases strain on hospital

SELECT patients with complex health issues or chronic illnesses in the state’s south can now receive medical care in the comfort of their home, easing pressure on the Royal Hobart Hospital.

The Community Rapid Response service was launched in Hobart on July 29 after a successful trial in Launceston.

The program provides nursing services seven days a week “wherever it is convenient and safe for patients”, including in their homes or in residential aged care facilities, following a referral from a doctor.

More than 6800 appointments were held in patients’ homes in the first year of the Launceston service, which started last year.

A survey found 96 per cent of GPs agreed patients referred to the service would otherwise need to go to the Launceston General Hospital emergency department for intervention or hospitalisation. Community Rapid Response South associate nurse unit manager Miena Arnol yesterday said the Hobart service had already accepted nine patients and provided 44 occasions of care.

“It’s been a really pleasant experience,” Ms Arnol said.

“If we make an impact on emergency department presentations that’s fantastic, but I guess it’s about the patient experience for us and hoping the intervention you provide them is a positive one and they can stay at home and not have to go to the hospital.”

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said 12 full-time equivalent nurses had been hired for the service in the South. She said recruitment was also progressing for the service to be extended into the state’s North-West. “This service has been proven to reduce hospital presentations, delivering quality care outside the hospital setting,” she said.

“It works particularly well for patients with chronic or complex illnesses, who are frequently in the hospital or presenting to the emergency department. Importantly, it also means patients can be treated in a comfortable home or community environment.”

The State Government has committed $11.2 million over three years to fund trials of the service in the South and the North-West, and $6.9 million over six years to make the Launceston service permanent.