Australia hospital pilot program connects elderly to primary care after discharge

Discharge plans from hospital can be complex and can often include follow up tests, appointments, changes to medications and commencement of additional or new care services. Rockingham General Hospital in Australia designed the Aged Care Transition program pilot program for older patients who require healthcare and social support following a hospital discharge. The program connects elderly patients with primary healthcare providers. In specific situations, the program can even offer crisis care patients and caregivers, to tide them over until her next hospital admission. The service is focused on improving the patient’s journey from hospital back to the community and the results of the pilot program will be evaluated later this year.