The NSLHD Palliative Aged Care Supportive Service has been working across the district to provide support and care for patients who are transitioning between acute care and aged care.

The team (pictured on front page) works across different areas of the district and includes three transitional nurse practitioners; Kelly Arthurs, Alyssa Kim and Sushila Khadka

The team helps ensure patients have a smooth transition from the acute care setting to the aged care setting.

Working closely with GPs and residential age care staff, the team is able to provide patients with the care they need, without them having to go back and forth from hospitals and aged care facilities. 

The families of patients undoubtedly value the service, with one testimonial reading ‘I want to thank the team for all their care and support during a difficult time. It was very much appreciated.’

Kelly said working in the service is rewarding because the team is able to help patients and families find their way during a difficult time.

“Although we meet patients and families at a very vulnerable time, we are able to help them find their way and make sense of the services available to them,” she said 

“We work closely with GPs and residential aged care staff, and provide support to enable them to care for their residents better, which is really rewarding.”

Alyssa said being able to help patients and their families receive treatment in alignment with their preferences is something that makes the work rewarding. 

“We are able to work with patients and their families to help determine their preferences of care and what we can do to facilitate these preferences,” she said.