Innovative urgent care service for Tweed

EXTENDED Care Paramedics (ECPs) have joined a multidisciplinary urgent care team in Tweed to provide home-based care for urgent but non-life-threatening medical conditions in a New South Wales health system first.

Highly qualified ECPs will be deployed in addition to the existing paramedics providing emergency care to the community. The ECPs will partner with a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses and allied health professionals to provide multidisciplinary treatment for various conditions, including fractures, dislocations and wound suturing.

The innovative model is a partnership between Northern NSW Local Health District and NSW Ambulance and will allow dedicated ECPs to be dispatched, reducing avoidable visits to emergency departments.

The Labor Spokesperson for Tweed Emily Suvaal MLC said the service would significantly impact patients.

“They will be able to access care for urgent conditions within the comfort of their home,” she said.

“It’s fantastic for both the patient and our health workers that members of the community will be able to avoid a trip to a busy ED for a range of conditions.”

In an effort to improve access to care and reduce wait times, the Minns Labor Government is working through the emergency department relief package to invest an additional $100 million for urgent care services for another two years, and to provide a pathway to care outside of hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the Urgent Care Service enabled residents to receive high-quality, expert care without leaving their familiar environment.

“It’s providing a better patient experience and easing pressure on the region’s busy emergency departments,” he said.

“I am so pleased to see innovative models of care like this one being introduced in our regional communities to support patients in receiving more timely care in the appropriate setting.”

The Tweed Urgent Care Service is available five days a week, from 8 am to 4 pm, and will expand in coming months to offer care to people of all ages seven days a week.

For non-life-threatening health advice or treatment, speak with a registered nurse by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.