Post Acute Care Service

Post Acute Care Service (PACS) is a Queensland Government funded service for patients who have been admitted to a Queensland Health public hospital or who have attended an emergency department. Patients may also be referred by their general practitioner or QAS as a hospital avoidance strategy.

The aim of the service is to help you manage a home when you are first discharged from hospital.

The service is free.

What happens when I am referred to PACS?

A health professional from PACS will telephone you to discuss the referral, ask you about your health needs and organise appointment/s.

How can PACS help me?

PACS provides a range of health services. Depending on your health needs, you may see one or more PACS health professionals, such as:

• Nurse
• Physiotherapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Pharmacy
• Dietitian
• Social Worker
• Speech Pathology
• Personal Care Worker / Assistant in Nursing
• Allied Health Assistant

What does PACS provide?

Your health professional will develop a plan of care with you. You may require services from one or more of the following:

• Support with medication
• Wound management (Acute)
• Support with catheter care
• Nutrition assessment and management
• Assessment and management of your falls risk
• Emotional support to you and/or your carer
• Assessment of home safety
• Short term equipment trial (e.g. wheelie walker; over toilet aid)
• Assess and manage swallow and speech difficulties
• Support with personal care
• Education and support in managing your health condition.

How long will I receive PACS?

Most people are discharge from PACS within 14 days.

What happens when I am discharged from PACS?

PACS staff will make the referrals to other services if you require longer term support.