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An innovative proposal 'Respiratory Coordinated Care Program: A Proposal for an Improved Model of Care' to improve respiratory services for patients with complex respiratory diseases, including respiratory infection and COPD, has been developed by the GMCT Respiratory Infection Working Group. Based on the success of a working model at St George Hospital the 'Respiratory Coordinated Care Program (RCCP)' has the potential to substantially reduce hospital admissions and average length of stay for this large cohort of patients. The proposal, including cover letter from GMCT Chief Executive and Ministerial Briefing, was submitted directly to the Director General via the GMCT Executive in September 2007. Letters were sent to heads of respiratory (or medical) departments encouraging them to bring the proposal to the attention of their respective Directors of Clinical Operations and relevant hospital administrators. The proposal has generated substantial interest. In March 2008 Sydney South West Area Health Service undertook a clinical redesign project 'Respire' aimed at improving services for chronic and complex respiratory patients at Royal Prince Alfred and Balmain Hospitals informed - among other sources - by the GMCT proposal. Respiratory Chronic & Complex Clinical Redesign Project 'Re-Spire' - SSWAHS The project completed as scheduled following three months of consultation with a comprehensive list of local stakeholders including local clinicians of all disciplines and levels, general practitioners, community health workers, hospital managers / administrators and patients. Copies of the reports of the three phases of the project; 'diagnostic', 'solution design' and 'implementation planning' can be obtained from the Network Manager. The reports are also available on the ARCHI website. In early July 2008 Royal Prince Alfred Hospital commenced a pilot of the new model of care. An evaluation will be conducted at the conclusion of a 12 month pilot period (July 09). 2. Proposal for a State-Wide Clinical Smoking Cessation ProgramA widely consultative proposal to improve access to the treatment of tobacco dependence has been developed by the Airways Diseases & Smoking Cessation Working Group. The proposal consists of three key initiatives including workforce enhancements and subsidisation of nicotine replacement therapy in a population-based approach to clinical tobacco control. If implemented, the recommendations will have a synergistic impact on smokers with a chronic dependence on nicotine and will substantially reduce the cost burden of tobacco dependence on the NSW health system. The proposal's three key recommendations are: 2. The provision of facility-based smoking cessation clinicians to deliver professional smoking cessation interventions in hospital and community settings; 3. The provision of heavily subsidised nicotine replacement therapy for high risk smokers. These initiatives are complimentary and, if implemented, will substantially improve smoking cessation services for smokers, and significantly reduce the burden of tobacco dependence on the NSW health system. Endorsement for the recommendations has been obtained from other organisations and clinical groups with an interest in this field.
This web page is managed and authorised by Greater Metropolitan Clinical Taskforce. Last updated: 20 May, 2009 |
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