Guardianship

​​​​​​​The Whole of Health Program (WOHP) supports the NSW Hospital Guardianship Program, a joint NSW Government initiative between Department of Communities and Justice and NSW Health. The program improves the length of stay for patients waiting in NSW hospitals for guardianship matters to be heard.

The Program includes the following interventions:

• a state-wide guideline for NSW Health workers to assist in identifying when and how to apply for guardianship
• a dedicated NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) team for hospital applications
• education for key hospital stakeholders
• single point of contact at Ministry of Health for guardianship
• increased involvement from the Office of the Public Guardian in hospital-related guardianship hearings

Historically, patients who are waiting for guardianship matters to be heard by the NCAT experience extended lengths of stay in hospital. This is due to significant costs associated to the organisation due to the patient remaining in hospital while waiting for the outcome or determination of a guardianship hearing.

The NCAT Guardianship Division conducts hearings for persons identified as lacking capacity to make informed decision that impact their daily lives, such as decisions related to healthcare, accommodation and/or lifestyle.

For more information, please contact the WOHP team.