Report of Operations - South West Alliance of Rural Health

Clinical Services Report31URGENT CAREThe urgent care unit contains twobeds for urgent presentations24 hours a day. The Departmentof Health encourages the useof the name Urgent Care todescribe the service provided, asaccident and emergency unitsare staffed by salaried medicalofficers at all times. Membersof the community presenting toUrgent Care at Otway Health aretriaged by registered nurses wholiaise with on call medical stafffor assessment, stabilisation andtransfer if necessary.Of the 953 presentations tourgent care in 2010-2011, 92were transferred to a largerhospital for treatment and 35were admitted for care at OtwayHealth. 461 presentations werelocal people and 492 werevisitors. The number of overallpresentations is slightly down onlast financial year’s figures of 1118,possibly due to the Great OceanRoad closure for two weeksover the summer period fromlandslides resulting in downturnof tourism.RESIDENTIAL AGED CARESometimes, for a number ofreasons, older people are nolonger able to live at home.For instance, you may be frailor ill, your partner may havepassed away, leaving you lonelyor unable to manage on yourown, or your family or carer maybe unable to cope. Whateverthe reason, if this time comes,Residential Aged Care can ensurethat you have all the care andsupport you need, in a welcomingand friendly environment.Otway Health has 13 flexiblelow level beds and 8 flexiblehigh level beds. Approximately52% of a possible 21 full bedoccupancy have been dischargedthis financial year. Despite this,an occupancy rate of greaterthan 85% has been maintained.This shows that Otway Healthfollows the general pattern inaged care, of residents beingadmitted later and consequentlyfor shorter periods of time. Asthe most intense times of activityfor staff are at admission andwhen resident’s conditions havedeteriorated, this emerging trendincreases workload and stresson staff. The flow on effect ofpeople being cared for longer intheir own homes also includespeople in the community beingcared for at end of life in apalliative care or acute care bed,rather than an aged care one.RespiteRespite care is available for those requiring care who choose to remain in the community.Respite bed days have increased by in 2010 – 2011 by 13% from 2009-2010, to a total of 275.NURSE CLINICNurse clinic is a service offeredto the community in conjunctionwith Apollo Bay General Practice.Patients primarily attend fortreatment of wounds andantibiotic therapy. Numbers aredown this year to 129 from theprevious year’s figure of 202.This statistic may reflect theadditional percentage of time twomedical officers were availablefor treatment and may also beinfluenced by road closure andan increased number of acuteadmissions.