More than 1,000 South Australians have received their healthcare at home or within the community, as part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s range of pilot programs and initiatives trialled throughout winter.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said through a combination of the Home Hospital pilot programs and the new Priority Care Centres, 1,055 South Australians received their treatment outside of hospital emergency departments.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to easing pressure on our emergency departments and delivering care closer to home,” Minister Wade said.
“Latest data shows more than 190 people have been treated within our new Priority Care Centres in their first four weeks of operation.
“In addition, the combined efforts of the NDIS SA Hospital Discharge Pilot project and Long Stay Transition to Discharge projects have seen 84 long stay and NDIS patients discharged to date. These patients together had a combined stay of 10,434 days since being medically fit for discharge.
“Our trial programs have also significantly reduced pressure on our hospitals, with 566 people cared for in the community by the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) in partnership with the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.
“In the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, 259 patients have been linked to tailored care outside of the hospital through a partnership with Pop-Up Community Care.
“On top of that, an additional 40 patients have received mental health support through the Central Adelaide Local Health Network’s Rapid Hospital Avoidance Program.
“Combined with additional beds opening at the Repat, Noarlunga, Glenside and Modbury, and our innovative mobile radiology service, we are freeing up acute beds within our hospitals for those patients who need them.”
The year-round Hospital Demand Management Plan has been updated for spring, detailing information and a range of advice on how to stay well this season.
Minister Wade said the portal provides details on where people can go to receive the most appropriate care and treatment for their condition.
“Often, we know people are attending hospitals because they don’t know about other treatment options that are available to them,” Minister Wade said.
“SA Health’s Hospital Demand Management Plan outlines the services and healthy living tips to ensure people stay well this spring.”
For more information, go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/hospitaldemandplan
