About Aspley Community Health Centre
They’re a unique crew out at the Aspley Community Health Centre, headlined with some vital patient support and access services.
Aspley accommodates teams from a number of services including:
- Central Referral Unit
- Central Patient Intake Unit
- Aged Care Assessment Team
- Oral Health Call Centre
- Nurse Navigation
- Rapid Access to Community Care team.
Aspley Shining Star Winners (February 2023)
Joshua Stephens, Daniel Hall, Patrick Bassett, Emily Perrett, Renee Stephenson, Gina Nicholls and Katelyn Gilliland – Patient Access Team
“This team led by Jennifer Stephenson is known as a high performing team and this is a result of their adaptability when undertaking work challenges.
“This team are innovative and motivated and face challenges with enthusiasm and commitment to achieve a common goal.
“They are often required to prioritise tasks at short notice to manage outsourcing of patients to assist Metro North Oral Health Services achieve activity targets.
“This team is recognised in Metro North Oral Health Services as a team that functions well under pressure.”
Roslyn Jacob, Leanne Wainwright and Adrienne Eastwood – Central Patient Intake Unit
“I am beyond impressed with the continual support and teamwork displayed by all staff within this incredible group as a whole.
“Leanne, Ros and Adrienne are undoubtedly three of the most knowledgeable and dedicated clinical nurses I have had the privilege of working with.
“Their role within Central patient Intake Unit is complex and fast-paced, with a high-volume workload and numerous competing priorities, which results in them being pulled in many different directions within a short period of time.
“Irrespective of this, they are always ready, willing and available to help each and every member of the team and do so with energy and enthusiasm. Their unwavering support is paramount to the ongoing success of the department.
“Leanne, Ros and Adrienne demonstrate the utmost respect in every interaction, encourage the highest levels of performance within our team, and handle every situation with integrity and compassion. Whether it be a quick question regarding a referral, or lengthy assistance and de-escalation required with a complex phone enquiry, they are always right by our side!
“Ros, Leanne, and Adrienne, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do!”
Staff Corner – The best thing about Aspley
At the executive afternoon tea staff were given the opportunity to express their thoughts on why Aspley was a great place to work.
While many of the services provided do not deliver direct patient care, the support services provided made a real difference to the patient experience, especially the ability to help patients navigate the system and find the right care that they need.
In addition, staff highlighted the importance of working in a community location.
Spotlight: Rapid Access to Community Care service
While the unit is only young, it is making a real difference to people’s lives by helping people access the health care services they need quickly.
Since its inception late last year, the Rapid Access to Community Care (RACC) service has assisted more than 100 patients who have been experiencing a deterioration in chronic disease or illness.
The RACC team is delivering rapid community responses that provides timely access to community care for adult clients so that hospital presentations are avoided.
The RACC service provides assessment to patients in the community via a clinician through telehealth or in the patient’s own residence the next business day.
Referrals are received from General Practitioners, Virtual Emergency Department and Queensland Ambulance Service seven days a week.
The team fast tracks referrals to the most appropriate community support services such as Metro North Community Health services, PHN Team Care Coordination or non-Government organisations.
As part of the service, community supports are put in place for adult patients at risk and who require rapid comprehensive assessment.
So far, the majority of patients are referred to support services such as the Post Acute Care Service, Complex Chronic Disease Team or PHN Team Care Coordination.
“The average age of people referred to the Rapid Access to Community Care Service is 77.”
Rapid Access to Community Care – A patient story
Following a GP referral the Rapid Access to Community Care (RACC) service provided a rapid assessment to a 78 year-old patient who is cared for at home by his wife.
The patient presented with increased agitation, confusion and paranoia, as well as memory problems. As part of this referral, the RACC Team visited the home the next day following the referral and provided a comprehensive assessment of health, functional capabilities and support needs.
A number of key supports were put in place to assist the patient and his carer. This included:
- Support of an occupational therapist, social worker, psychologist and geriatrician
- Ongoing investigation around cognitive concerns
- Behavioural and psychologist support
- Gradual support through home care and domestic services
- Carer education around emergency respite and falls prevention.
FAST FACTS
“The Central Patient Intake team manage around 25,000 referrals each month to specialist outpatient and allied health service across Metro North.”
“Our Nurse Navigators are supporting hundreds of patients to access vital services each and every month.”
Aspley Compliment – Nurse Navigators
“Param has been my father’s nurse navigator for several months, while he was under the care of the Metro North catchment.
“Param has been available when I have needed to ask questions, explained information clearly and concisely and has consistently given me prudent advice time and time again.
“I feel that Param goes above and beyond in her role and I wanted to bring to your attention how amazing she is.
“She has made a frightening and challenging situation with my dad, more manageable, which has helped both my Dad and myself cope with the changes in his deteriorating health.”
Aged Care Assessment Team
“The Aged Care Assessment Team has been doing some great work over the past year managing hundreds of referrals and assessments each month.”
Nominate a Shining Star @ Brighton
Our next Shining Star Award will be focused on Brighton Health Campus alongside the executive visit this month.
We encourage Brighton Health Campus staff in particular
to nominate a colleague or team for the March Shining Star Award by sending a 50-100 word submission to COH-Communications@health.qld.gov.au
Nominations close Wednesday 15 March.
Important note. You can still nominate staff for the award if they are not from Brighton. Thank you to everyone who continues to nominate!
The next COH executive visit
Brighton Health Campus
Under the Blue Sails
Tuesday 21 March
Staff afternoon Tea @ 2.00 pm