New Care Model To Improve Health Outcomes

People living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) in the Murrumbidgee region will benefit from improved access to coordinated care in the community with an $11.7 million investment over three years from the NSW Government.

Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor said Living Well, Your Way would deliver pathways designed to streamline patient care for those living with COPD and CHF and reduce the rate of preventable hospitalisations.

“Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has joined with the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and local clinicians to increase early diagnosis and support people to better understand and manage their condition on a day-to-day basis, reducing unnecessary admissions to hospital,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The new service uses digital platforms to better link patients from hospital to home, and will trial innovative technologies to support patients to manage their disease.”

CEO of the MPHN, Narelle Mills said people living with these chronic diseases had repeatedly been identified as a priority population in the Murrumbidgee’s Health Needs Assessment.

“This program will not only improve the way health services work together to provide care, but also improve outcomes for patients and address barriers to accessing timely care such as travel, wait times and out-of-pocket expenses,” Ms Mills said.

MLHD Chief Executive, Jill Ludford said Living Well, Your Way connected rural clinicians and services in a one-system approach for patients and included engagement with pharmacies, peak bodies and community groups.

“By working together we can build on existing services, reduce duplication and address gaps in service delivery,” Ms Ludford said.

Expressions of interest from the region’s healthcare providers are being sought for their involvement in the highly anticipated initiative, which will be delivered as the Living Well, Your Way Care Pathway.

Collaborative Commissioning is one of four programs under NSW Health’s priority to accelerate value-based healthcare, supporting local partnerships to deliver more coordinated, patient-centred care in the community.

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• Health & Wellbeing