Expanded Early Access Team (EAT) is providing even more access to patients who are discharged home from hospital sooner and safer, with allied health support in the comfort of their own home.
Central Queensland Health Executive Director Allied Health and Quality and Safety Kerrie-Anne Frakes said this innovative model was designed to free up hospital space for those who need it most.
“Nobody wants to stay in hospital longer than absolutely necessary, so to be able to help suitable patients continue their recovery at home with the right support in place is a win-win situation,” she said.
The multi-disciplinary team now includes Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, and an Administrative Officer to help patients return home sooner and be more independent at home.
Ms Frakes said the expanded team now covered a broader area for patients around Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast and Mt Morgan.
It provides a rapid response pathway of rapid, short-term (up to two weeks) care for patients in their home or via telehealth or clinics, or a Care @ Home pathway for longer (up to eight weeks) re-enablement therapy, particularly for those not eligible for support through other services such as Transition Care Program.
The team has reduced potentially preventable hospital admissions, facilitating earlier discharge home from hospital, and through a referral pathway with Queensland Ambulance Service, supporting Emergency Department avoidance.
The team delivered more than 1000 occasions of service to patients in their home and via telehealth in the 2023-24 financial year.
This expansion was part of $2.5m recurrent funding from the Connected Community Pathways program which has also included the implementation of a Wound Care Clinical Nurse Consultant service.