What’s happening?
The Expanded Early Access Team (EAT) in Central Queensland has grown to provide enhanced allied health support, enabling patients to recover at home after hospital discharge.
The initiative now covers Rockhampton, the Capricorn Coast, and Mt Morgan, offering short-term and re-enablement care to patients in their homes or through telehealth services.
Why it matters?
This innovative model reduces hospital stays, improves patient independence, and ensures hospitals can prioritise resources for critical cases.
Allied health support allows patients to recover safely and comfortably at home, addressing gaps for those not eligible for other support services.
Local Impact:
The EAT expansion means more patients across Central Queensland can benefit from early discharges and avoid unnecessary hospital readmissions, leading to a more efficient healthcare system.
It also facilitates emergency department avoidance through collaboration with Queensland Ambulance Service.
By the Numbers:
- 1,000+ occasions of service delivered to patients in the 2023-24 financial year.
- Supported patients across Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast, and Mt Morgan regions.
- Funded through $2.5 million recurrent funding under the Connected Community Pathways program.
Zoom In:
The multi-disciplinary EAT now includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, speech pathologists, therapy assistants, and administrative support.
Patients receive either:
- A rapid response pathway for up to two weeks of care to facilitate safe discharges.
- A Care @ Home pathway offering up to eight weeks of re-enablement therapy for those not eligible for other programs.
Central Queensland Health Executive Director Allied Health and Quality and Safety, Kerrie-Anne Frakes, highlighted the benefits of this approach:
“Nobody wants to stay in hospital longer than absolutely necessary, so to be able to help suitable patients continue their recovery at home with the right support in place is a win-win situation.”
Zoom Out:
The expansion is part of a broader Connected Community Pathways program, which also introduced a Wound Care Clinical Nurse Consultant service to further improve patient care and outcomes.
What to look for next?
Future updates on patient outcomes and the potential introduction of additional healthcare initiatives under the Connected Community Pathways program.
Expect further data on how this model reduces hospital demand and improves long-term recovery rates.
