New service to reduce pressure on Vic hospitals

A new chronic care coordination service, launched by in-home care specialist Silverchain, aims to reduce pressure on local hospitals in the Frankston and Greater Dandenong areas.

The free health service works in collaboration with GPs to improve access to health services, reduce presentations at emergency departments and decrease preventable hospital admissions, particularly after hours.

The service is offered to eligible adults who have two or more chronic conditions and are at risk of hospitalisation or attending an emergency department with a non-critical condition. The hope is that the enterprise will complement existing GP and pharmacy services and both GPs and pharmacists can provide a referral.

The service is also available for high-risk and vulnerable people in the community who have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, cancer and back issues.

Silverchain’s Executive Director, Victoria, Carolyn Bell, said that under the new service clinicians helped clients to access services as part of their care plans, as well as supporting their health journey.

“This chronic care coordination service is about empowering people, so they have the confidence and ability to play a more proactive role in managing their condition,” Bell said.

“We will work in partnership with eligible patients to provide care coordination depending on their healthcare needs, for up to three months.”

The service is being supported by funding from the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

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