During the COVID-19 pandemic it is critical for NSW Health clinical staff to receive and provide a thorough handover of important information relating to the care needs and disability supports people with disability require at all stages of a patient’s journey.

People with disability can provide important information to clinical staff about their health and support needs in the Hospital Companion.

Tools that can greatly assist in efficient assessment, admission and discharge of patients who have a disability, include:

• Admission 2 Discharge
• Clinical Excellence Commission Top 5
• Transition of Care checklist page 18

NSW Health staff are reminded of the importance of receiving and providing detailed handovers with the patient, their carer and/or disability support provider as relevant.

NSW Health Policy Directives on how to coordinate care, communicate information and meet the needs of people with disability during hospitalisation, include:

• Responding to the Needs of People with Disability during Hospitalisation
• Care Co-ordination: Planning from Admission to Transfer of Care in NSW Public Hospitals

Document information

Developed by

• NSW Health
• Clinical Excellence Commission
• Department of Health

Consultation

• Paediatric Improvement Collaborative including: NSW Chief Paediatrician and Dr Alan Kerrigan, Paediatric Clinical Lead, Western Children’s Health Network, and Chair of the ACI COVID-19 Paediatric High-Risk Respiratory Working Group
• Emergency Dept. COVID Community of Practice
• Intensive Care COVID Community of Practice.

Endorsed by

Disability Community of Practice

Review date

20 September 2020

Reviewed by

Andrew Davidson, Chief Allied Health Officer and Disability COP Clinical Lead

For use by

NSW Health staff