Silverchain Group is supporting national efforts to reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals during the pandemic by providing additional health care services for COVID 19-positive patients living in residential aged care facilities and private psychiatric hostels in Perth.
Under an agreement with the WA Primary Health Alliance and in consultation with local GPs, Silverchain will provide face-to-face visits and telehealth services for COVID 19-positive patients living in residential aged care facilities and private psychiatric hostels who need additional health care support.
Silverchain registered nurses will provide care for a range of health conditions including chronic disease care, minor injuries, wound care, and catheter management.
Silverchain’s Executive Director, Western Australia Renae Lavell said the program aims to bring care directly to COVID 19-positive patients living in residential aged care facilities and private psychiatric hostels and prevent unnecessary hospitalisations due to worsening health conditions.
“By helping to manage the health concerns of a COVID-19 positive West Australian at the place they live, we can not only relieve some of the pressure on GPs as COVID-19 cases rise, but also help community members avoid unnecessary hospital admissions,” Ms Lavell said.
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WA Primary Health Alliance General Manager Commissioned Services Mark Cockayne said GPs would refer patients to Silverchain in cases where patients could be at risk of being hospitalised for reasons unrelated to their COVID-positive status.
“Delivered face-to-face or via telehealth, at no cost to the patient, the COVID-positive home visiting service will provide visits to patients during the after-hours period or when their primary care provider may not have capacity to offer a home visit,” Mr Cockayne said.
“In addition to treatment for COVID-19, the service will include assessment and management relating to other health conditions that require attention while the person is isolating.”
Ms Lavell said the partnership with WA Primary Health Alliance was a great example of how the health sector can work together to provide additional support to at-risk patients during this challenge time.