​​Dear colleagues,

We're thrilled to share the latest developments from the ED Taskforce. Having met eight times so far, the Taskforce is making steady progress in improving ED wait times, enhancing access to care, and exploring innovative solutions to ease the pressure on our hospitals.

At the recent Taskforce meeting, we were introduced to the innovative ARCTIC model of care from Sutherland Hospital ED. ARCTIC – short for Accelerated, Review, Coordination of Treatment, Investigation and Care is making significant strides in front of house rapid assessment. The impacts of this model on Triage category 2 performance during this winter was fantastic, and we will be excited to hear of future sustained improvements.

We are actively supporting the implementation and monitoring of strategies associated with the $480.7 million four-year ED Relief Package. Here's what's new this month:

• Hospital in the Home reform: Significant updates are on the horizon for the Hospital in the Home (HiTH) program, including creating inpatient capacity, hybrid modality to address system challenges, establishment of enhanced pathways to strengthen referral, and an equal and consistent approach for access to care across metropolitan, regional and remote Districts. The GL2018_020 Adult and Paediatric Hospital in the Home Guideline is currently under a comprehensive review. We anticipate the rollout of the new policy towards the end of 2024, which will underpin the expansion of existing and new services with a new focus on virtual care.
• Expansion of the Single Front Door: Two new hubs are being established—one in Western NSW LHD and one in Sydney LHD—to provide statewide access to VirtualADULT and virtualSPECIALIST services. These services will facilitate equitable access to care and reduce pressure on emergency departments. NSW residents will soon be able to connect with these services by calling healthdirect​​ at 1800 022 222​, our free 24/7 health advice line.
  

Another of our latest developments that is set to make a meaningful impact on easing the pressure on our EDs and supported by the Taskforce includes:

• ​​ NSW Ambulance Alternative Referral pathways: In FY 23-24 NSW Ambulance responded to over 1 million incidents, with over 50 percent of patients requiring transport to an emergency department. NSW Ambulance will continue to work with the Local Health Districts and Specialty Health Networks to develop standardised, accessible referral pathways to reduce the impact on emergency departments in NSW.

Stay tuned with more updates soon!

Kind Regards,

Dr Trevor Chan
Co-Chair ED Taskforce
Clinical Director, Emergency Care Institute

Matthew Daly
Co-Chair ED Taskforce
Deputy Secretary, System Sustainability and Performance

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