June 2022 edition: Integrated Care
Alternate Referral Pathways aim to create referral pathways for NSW Ambulance, paramedics and Primary Care to support enhanced care in the community. This will drive value based services by reducing avoidable transfers by ambulance to Emergency Departments, improve patient experience of care and improve time‑to‑transfer for high acuity triple‑0 calls.
Alternate Referral Pathways support NSW Ambulance’s Virtual Clinical Care Centre (VCCC). The VCCC provides a comprehensive in‑house virtual triage service. It focuses on identifying lower acuity cases that may be suitable for ongoing management in the community or referral to destinations other than the Emergency Department.
The Alternate Referral Pathway priority groups are:
This work is governed by both the Ministry of Health and NSW Ambulance, and includes key stakeholders and subject matter experts from across the system.
A multi‑phased approach is being taken to build a picture of existing services across NSW and identify where suitable pathways can be developed. The project is currently in Phase 2.
As an immediate measure to reduce the pressure on Emergency Departments, NSW Ambulance is working with local health districts, specialty health networks and other providers to develop localised pathways. This will help patients receive the right care, at the right time.
The pathways are initiated from both paramedics on road or the VCCC, dependent on the service. The intent is for these pathways to be integrated into the broader statewide Alternate Referral Pathways as they are developed.
Please contact our staff for further information: