Ipswich Hospital was on show at the annual Clinical Excellence Queensland Showcase last week, thanks to an innovative program that is leading the way in medicine.
This year, the Acute Medicine and Continuum Care department showcased an innovative model of care for patients with chronic conditions, with AMCC Director Brent Simkus saying the department included the Medical Assessment and Planning Unit and Rapid Access Clinic.
“These services offer innovative alternatives to traditional models to provide streamlined, patient-centred care,” Dr Simkus said.
“Through early assessment and intervention, the department aims to reduce emergency presentations and hospital admissions.
“Across all its services, the Acute Medicine and Continuum Care department is committed to delivering the right care, in the right setting, at the right time for each patient.”
Since its launch in mid-September 2022, the medical unit has admitted more than 5000 patients. This accounts for a third of all medical patients admitted to Ipswich Hospital.
“As the service has matured, 10 per cent of patients are now admitted to the unit via the clinc, rather than ED,” Dr Simkus said.
“One of our key goals is to increase the number of patients admitted through our Rapid Access Clinic.”
The unit achieved a 624 per cent improvement in Emergency Length of Stay within four hours for medically admitted patients, along with a 42 per cent reduction in time to ward compared to General Medicine, far exceeding the initial targets of 20 per cent.
From November 2022 to December 2023, Rapid Access Clinic staff attended to more than 2500 patients, saving an estimated 3483 hours in the ED.
“The Acute Medicine and Continuum Care department at Ipswich Hospital is dedicated to providing connected, equitable, sustainable and integrated health care to the West Moreton community,” Dr Simkus said.
