General News
31 July, 2023
Support service to provide individualised care
The Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) will lead a partnership of health providers to deliver a more inclusive, individual-focused support service for residents living with chronic conditions later this year. The health service is partnering...
The Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) will lead a partnership of health providers to deliver a more inclusive, individual-focused support service for residents living with chronic conditions later this year.
The health service is partnering with Central Highlands Rural Health, Mecwacare, Springs Medical and Beaufort Skipton Health Service to deliver the Your Care Path program, which replaces the existing Chronic Conditions Model of Care.
The program will be available to people living with chronic conditions in the Central Goldfields, Hepburn, Pyrenees and Ararat municipalities from October.
The model prioritises person-centred and outcome focussed service delivery, streamlined referrals, coordinated care and partnerships.
MDHS CEO Nickola Allan said the program model has a holistic approach to chronic conditions including asthma, cancer and diabetes.
“We are pleased to be part of this innovative regional partnership to better support clients with chronic conditions, and carers and families, right along the healthcare journey,” she said.
“As part of the Your Care Path program partnership, we’ll be providing a whole range of allied health services that bring a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
“Our team of nurses, physio-therapists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, dieticians, speech pathologists, social workers, and case workers can offer person-centred care and interventions to address the specific needs of clients and complement medical treatments.
“This may also include patient information, education and lifestyle modifications to help clients feel supported and empowered to manage their health or improve their wellbeing.
“This comprehensive approach can also lead to innovative solutions and best practices in managing chronic conditions for better health outcomes and patient experiences.”
The Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) will work alongside MDHS to develop referral pathways and methods as part of the new program.
WVPHN chief executive Rowena Clift said Your Care Path was part of the new regional care partnership approach to delivering improved primary health care services to people in the Goldfields region.
“We are particularly excited that this new approach has been developed in collaboration with the people who both deliver these services and people with lived experience alongside their families and carers,” she said.
“This approach then ensures these important support services are made available to as many people as possible in rural and remote communities.
“By bringing together a highly experienced group of local health providers, we are making sure the service is available to whoever needs it across the region.
“Each Your Care Path client will work toward a set of personal goals. The program will have the flexibility to deliver services face-to-face as well as via telehealth. There will also be opportunity for support services to be delivered in group settings and/or on an individual basis.”
Ms Clift said WVPHN would continue to meet with MDHS and its partner health services between now and October to determine how best to transition clients to the new approach and ensure continuity of care.
“We will also work with our providers to ensure GPs and others in our primary care community are fully informed on how the new model will benefit their patients and how they can participate in the transition process and beyond,” she said.
Your Care Path will be rolled out in additional shires, including Northern Grampians, at a later date.