The NSW Government has today announced it will rollout 86 dedicated “patient flow concierge officers” to ease emergency department congestion across the state.
In a speech to the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, Health Minister Ryan Park said 18 officers will be deployed in Western Sydney.
The move forms part of the NSW Government’s budget investment of $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.
The Minister said the roles will support clinical staff to facilitate patient flow and better co-ordinate the discharge processes.
“Discharging patients from hospital is often an admin-heavy task, taking clinicians away from seeing patients,” he said.
“We’ve created this new role to help get patients home as soon as possible once they’re ready to be discharged – freeing up our doctors, nurses and other staff to get on with seeing patients.
“This will enhance patient communication and experience, including for patients awaiting discharge who are National Disability Insurance Scheme recipients or residential aged care residents.”
