Objective

SWSPHN will commission one existing general practice, community health centre or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) in the Local Government Area (LGA) of Fairfield as defined by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) to be established as a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC). The UCC program will ease the pressure on hospitals and give patients more options to see a healthcare professional when they have an urgent but not life-threatening need for care.

Intended Outcomes

Improved access to urgent care in a non-hospital setting particularly for vulnerable groups. This includes the aim of changing consumer behaviour about options for appropriate care for urgent conditions that are not immediately life-threatening.

Reduced pressure on Emergency Department (ED) presentations in partner hospitals by providing patients with short term, episodic care for urgent conditions that are not immediately life-threatening.

Improved integration between existing local health services including existing community health services, GPs, non-government sector and State funded services including hospital and ambulatory services and other support services.

Avoid duplication of models of care in hospitals and primary care and where possible, leverage existing models of care for a seamless transition between hospital care, urgent care, and primary care.

Reduce the volume of low acuity non-admitted presentations to ED.

Focus on episodic care with the aim of connecting patients back to their regular GP for their care where appropriate or for follow up once care has been delivered.

Provide models of care that are flexible, multidisciplinary, and tailored.

Invest in models that are human-centred and staffed by appropriate, skilled workforce to increase the overall experience and engagement of staff, patients, families and carers, improve access to non-emergency care and utilise health system resources efficiently.

Maintain or improve outcomes for patients, and ensure services are underpinned by kindness, compassion and empathy for patients, families, carers, staff and provide a culturally appropriate and safe environment that is inclusive for all people.

Provide services that are designed in partnership with LHDs, Specialty Health Networks (SHNs), NSW Ambulance, PHNs, GPs, patients, families, kin, carers, the local community, and other partners.