Understanding what is happening when you, or the person you care for, is being transferred to another hospital is important. Access to information explaining the transfer process and the supports available, can help you along the patient journey.
In Western NSW Local Health District, the vCare team are responsible for organising your inter-hospital transfer. This includes coordinating bed vacancies at the City Hospital, organising flight or road transfers and communicating this to the patient care team at the country hospital.
The staff at vCare have partnered with consumers and carers to co-design resources with information you might need to support your transfer of care. vCare are seeking your feedback on these resources to make sure we have provided the information you need.
Three resources have been developed that need your input
- The Transfer of Care postcard - a brief overview of the process of inter-hospital transfer and will be given to you or your carer by staff. The postcard will have a QR code that links you to a website that explains Transfer of Care in more detail - see Resource 3. Patient transfers from rural facilities to other hospitals.
- The SMS messaging for inter-hospital transfers - text messages will be sent to you or your care giver at 4 different points along the transfer of care. The messages will inform you of the progress of the transfer from booking the transfer through to arrival at the other hospital.
- A website with general information about Patient transfers from rural facilities to other hospitals. The information explains in more detail the transfer process, how it is organised, what happens when you arrive at the other hospital, how to organise transport back home once you are discharged from the other hospital, and who to contact if you have any concerns. You can access this website by scanning the QR Code on the postcard.
You can provide feedback on all three resources or just go to the questions for the draft resource that interests you. Your input will help ensure the resources meet patient and family information needs for transfer of care.
Closing date for the survey is Friday 19th April 2024.
