Rapid Access service reaches 1000th patient

The Rapid Access to Community Care (RACC) service has reached a very important milestone recently with 1,000 chronically ill elderly patients now being referred to the community service.

Community and Oral Health Director of Innovation and Research Mary Wheeldon said this was a very exciting milestone which showcased the importance of the community-based service.

“Since its inception last year, the RACC service had assisted more than 1,000 adult patients who have experienced significant deterioration in their chronic disease or illness,” Ms Wheldon said.

“A lot of these patients, who have an average age of over 80 years, have highly complex medical conditions which require a broad range of home care and support services, and who are at a higher risk of hospitalisation.”

The RACC service, which is delivered by Metro North Health, assesses patients in their home so referrals to community or home support can be fast tracked.

RACC Acting Clinical Nurse Consultant Elly Thompson said that following a referral from a General Practitioner, Virtual Emergency Department, or the Queensland Ambulance Service an assessment is provided via a clinician through in the patient’s own home or via telehealth.

“This assessment is within three business days of referral, and the RACC team will provide a comprehensive assessment of health, functional capabilities and the ongoing support needs of the patient. This information is communicated back to the client’s GP to ensure continuity of care,” Ms Thompson said.

As part of the service, patients can be referred to and access services delivered through Metro North Health Community and Oral Health, Brisbane North PHN Team Care Coordination or non-Government Organisations.

Ms Thompson said these supports could include allied health and geriatrician interactions, and liaison with current non-government providers and ACAT.
“The RACC service is making a real difference to people’s lives by helping people access community-based health care services and home support services,” she said.

“RACC is delivered five days a week across the Metro North Health catchment.”

So far, hundreds of GP practices in Brisbane North and the Moreton Bay region have engaged the service.

The majority of patients so far are rapidly accessing community-based services such as the Post Acute Care Service, Complex Chronic Disease Team or PHN

Brisbane North Team Care Coordination as well as their existing non-government providers.

Further detail about the service can be found at Rapid Access to Community Care.