Elderly residents across northern Sydney will soon have access to more tailored, timely healthcare in the comfort of their own homes, thanks to the expansion of geriatric urgent care services across the district.

Three geriatric outreach services in Northern Sydney Local Health District are expanding meaning patients can be seen by specialist aged care nurses and doctors, who can attend theperson’s home.

The expansion will help ease pressure on northern Sydney’s busy emergency departments by extending the hours of operation to 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. 

Up to 3100 more residents a year can avoid having to go to a hospital emergency department, receiving care in the comfort of their own home instead.
Premier Chris Minns and Health Minister Ryan Park toured Royal North Shore Hospital’s emergency department and met with staff before announcing the $124 million geriatric outreach service expansion, which include services also based in south-eastern and south-western Sydney.

James Hardy, Geriatrician and Head of Department at Royal North Shore Hospital, is incredibly proud to be part of the Acute Rapid Response Team which is part of the district’s geriatric outreach services.

“We’re able to see patients improve their health and stay well and happy at home,” said James.

“Our focus is to treat older patients in the most appropriate place. At times that might be in hospital, but often it’s at home where they feel safe and are the only patient in the room.”

The service allows patients to be seen to by specialist aged care nurses and doctors, who can attend the person’s home and provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment. 

Patients are referred by a GP or residential aged care facility, Healthdirect, and NSW Ambulance.