Around 530 patients in the Mackay region have benefited from the new dedicated post-operative care services at the Mackay Base Hospital.
Following surgery, the Post-Operative Support System (PODSS) team meet with the patient before they go home, providing them with information and a phone number to call for assistance for up to 30 days post-surgery.
Patients have said the Clinical Nurse Consultant gave them the extra support needed once they were home such as organising additional medication, timely advice as well as check ins on how their recovery was progressing.
It is also estimated that since the service commenced in March, it has halved the need for further ED presentations post-surgery.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert stated that, "these fantastic new roles are helping us take pressure off our busy emergency departments and enhancing care for people post-surgery”.
"Sometimes we need extra support once we're home from hospital and that's where the PODSS team comes in,” she explained.
"We will continue to look and find innovative ways to enhance the delivery of world-class healthcare for our growing community."
The PODSS follows the recent introduction of medical and nursing commanders to ensure smoother transfer from ambulances to EDs.
These new roles and the PODDS respond to the Miles Government's five-point plan to improve patient flow in Queensland's public health system.
These initiatives build on work underway including the $764 million Putting Patients First plan, new Satellite Hospitals, the work of the Queensland Ambulance Service clinical hub and the Surgery Connect program to reduce elective surgery wait lists.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said "this new service is just one way we are investing in measures to improve patient flow and boost the care provided to Queenslanders.
"It's wonderful to hear from patients that this extra step of support is helping them to recover at home and get the care they need.
"I want to thank our dedicated and hardworking health heroes who are continuing to provide world class healthcare for the Mackay community."
Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon commented that "the Post Operative Discharge Support Service (PODSS) at Mackay Base Hospital has been a great success and is helping to not only relieve pressure on our busy Emergency Department, but also provide better support for patients as they recover from surgery.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert with Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon and Mackay base hospitals clinical nurse consultants, Chelsea Presley and Erin Sherry. Photo Credit Hannah McNamara
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