Silver Chain Group is supporting national efforts to reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals by providing additional health care services for COVID 19-positive patients living in residential aged care facilities and private psychiatric hostels in Perth.
Under an agreement with the WA Primary Health Alliance and in consultation with local GPs, Silver Chain will provide face-to-face visits and telehealth services for patients who need additional health care support.
Registered nurses will provide care for a range of health conditions including chronic disease care, minor injuries, wound care and catheter management.
Silver Chain's executive director Western Australia, Renae Lavell, said the program aims to bring care directly to the patients.
"By helping to manage the health concerns of a COVID-19 positive West Australian at the place they live, we can not only relieve some of the pressure on GPs ... but also help community members avoid unnecessary hospital admissions," Ms Lavell said.
"With the spread of COVID-19 ... Silver Chain is committed to supporting the health system and evolving and improving the way healthcare is delivered directly in the community."
WA Primary Health Alliance general manager Commissioned Services, Mark Cockayne, said this vital service was opening up new pathways for COVID positive people to continue to be cared for in the community and stay out of hospital.
Critical time
He said it also provides further support for general practice at this critical time.
"Delivered face-to-face or via telehealth at no cost to the patient, the COVID-positive home visiting service will allow people to receive the care that they need during the after-hours period or when their primary care provider may not have capacity to offer a home visit," Mr Cockayne said.
"The service will include assessment and management relating to other health conditions that require attention while the person is isolating that may result in being hospitalised for reasons unrelated to their COVID-positive status."
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