Cutting waitlists and closing gaps: RNSH’s unique GP liaison program celebrates three years NSLHD CE Anthony Schembri met with RNSH Ambulatory Care Centre nursing unit manager Solly Geddam, GP liason officers David Cosgriff, and Caroline Guirgis
“Our ultimate goal is to improve outcomes for every patient.” David said that by streamlining communication, he and Caroline also help local GPs navigate complex hospital systems which has received positive feedback over the past few years. “GPs can contact us easily via email, and we act as a central point of contact,” he said. “GPs are relieved to engage with the hospital system more efficiently, and patients benefit from shorter waits and better communication. “Clinicians within the hospital have also found value in considering a general practice perspective when decisions are made.”
Improving coordination and collaboration between hospitals and general practitioners (GPs) is a challenge in Australia and worldwide. Helping bridge the gaps of these challenges at a local level are general practice liaison officers (GPLOs) David Cosgriff and Caroline Guirgis. The role started in October 2021 when RNSH launched its GPLO program - the first of its kind in New South Wales. David and Caroline are GPs themselves, who work within RNSH as part of the program to improve communication and collaboration between primary care and the hospital’s services. The program has three main goals: improving awareness of services, enhancing communication, and addressing system challenges that affect patient care. Now celebrating their third year of operation, the duo has made a significant impact on patients and the doctors they are working with. The program redesigned the hospital’s Ambulatory Care Centre and cut patient waitlists by an impressive 64 per cent. Caroline said patients now see specialists more quickly and clinics have clear referral criteria to ensure the right care is delivered to the right people. “Patients have better outcomes when healthcare is well-integrated,” she said.
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 3| 28 FEBRUARY 2025
6
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online