Tamworth Hospital is set to benefit from the appointment of dedicated patient flow concierge staff, aimed at improving access to care and reducing waiting times in the Emergency Department (ED).
Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) is introducing these new roles as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $53.9 million investment to improve patient flow in hospitals, ensuring patients can return home sooner while freeing up critical resources.
Tamworth Hospital will receive two key positions: a Whole of Hospital Coordinator, responsible for promoting timely access to care, enhancing patient safety, and improving patient experience, and a Discharge Planner, who will assist patients with complex healthcare needs in transitioning from hospital to home.
HNELHD Executive Director of Operations, Susan Heyman, said the addition of these roles would help streamline patient care and reduce delays.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these highly skilled patient flow concierge staff to our District, who are working collaboratively to improve patient care by streamlining processes and addressing delays,” said Heyman.
“These roles demonstrate our commitment to patient-centred care, with a focus on ensuring those in our regional and remote communities receive timely access to care.”
Minister for Health, Ryan Park, highlighted the positive impact this initiative is already having across regional hospitals.
“These patient flow concierge officers are helping to free up doctors and nurses to treat patients sooner by taking charge of the coordination of administrative tasks, including complex discharge planning,” said Park.
“This initiative is already reaping results in the Hunter and New England regions, including a reduction in long wait times in emergency departments.”
The patient flow concierge staff are part of a broader $480.7 million ED relief package announced in the state Budget.
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