New paramedic pathway eases ED crowding on the Central Coast
18 November 2024
A new referral pathway from NSW Ambulance in collaboration with the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) could free up Emergency Departments (EDs) by allowing more patients to receive treatment conveniently at home.
This pathway resulted from one of several impactful quality improvement initiatives presented at the first-ever graduation of CCLHD's Safety and Quality Applied Program in October. The CEC Academy's Safety and Quality Applied Program provides NSW Health staff with essential skills for leading safety initiatives. The CCLHD and NSW Ambulance collaboration is among the first within the program.
"The new paramedic referral pathway enables us to care for patients with less acute conditions through local LHD programs," explained Jason Metcalfe (second from left in the photo), Health Relationship Manager at NSW Ambulance and the initiative's lead.
"Instead of transporting these non-emergency patients to the ED, paramedics can now refer them to other local health services. This means patients avoid ED wait times and receive appropriate care within their own home, while paramedics can respond to more calls in the community," he said.
Fiona Wilkinson, District Director Quality, Strategy and Improvement at CCLHD emphasised that safety and quality is at the core of everything they do.
"The graduation is a significant milestone for the district as we build capability in safety and quality improvement across our teams.
"We're already seeing the benefits of the Safety and Quality Applied Program with the implementation of initiatives like the referral pathway, leading to improved care, a better patient experience and aligning with our commitment to provide the right care at the right time," she said.
Graduates and colleagues celebrate the inaugural Central Coast Local Health District graduation of the Clinical Excellence Commission's Safety and Quality Applied Program.
The CEC Academy's Safety and Quality Applied Program provides NSW Health staff with essential skills for leading safety initiatives.
"Graduates of the program represent the future of safety and quality leadership in NSW Health," said Ian Richards, Acting Director of Capability and Culture at the Clinical Excellence Commission.
"These projects demonstrate how a culture of safety and empowerment, combined with skilled staff, enhances patient care."
Learn more about the CEC Academy and Safety and Quality Applied Program.