Patient-flow concierges to reduce ED pressure

SIX patient-flow concierge officers are to be rolled out in the Northern NSW Local Health District as part of 86 dedicated positions across New South Wales.

The concierge roles will support clinical staff with patient flow and help coordinate discharge processes to enhance patient communication and experience, especially for those who are NDIS recipients or in aged residential care.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the new positions were welcomed.

“Having patients waiting around in our hospitals for lengthy periods is not good for them, their loved ones, staff and other patients.

“Discharging patients from hospital is often an admin-heavy task, taking clinicians away from seeing patients.

“We’ve created this new role to help get patients home as soon as possible once they’re ready to be discharged – freeing up our doctors, nurses and other staff to get on with seeing patients.”

The patient-flow concierges were included in the NSW Government’s $480.7 million emergency department relief package announced in the state budget in June.

Other measures in the budget include $171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services, $100 million for urgent care services, $70 million to expand emergency department short-stay units and $31.4 million to increase the Hospital in the Home program across the state.