NSW Health WSLHD Safety & Quality Account 2020-21

COVID-19

COVID-19: Care in the Community Residential Aged Care and Disability Group Home COVID-19 management Those living in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) and disability group homes are considered at higher risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death. WSLHD supports local RACFs and group homes to prevent and prepare for possible COVID-19 outbreaks, as well as support facilities to actively manage COVID-19 outbreaks and ensure appropriate care is provided in place or in hospital. This work, led by Integrated and Community Health (ICH) has included: • Detailed local outbreak management plan, bringing together Public Health, Infectious Diseases, Palliative Care, Geriatrics, Clinical and Corporate operations, the Primary Health Network and facilities to work together. • Integrated and Community Health conducted a risk assessment of all 64 RACFs in western Sydney to ensure the adaptability of their Outbreak Management Plans. The facilities were each provided a site-specific assessment summary, including feedback on areas for improvement across the main themes of infection prevention and control principles, education, workforce, equipment, and resources. From 29 June 2021 until 1 July 2022 there have been approximately; • 204 COVID-19 outbreaks in RACF located in western Sydney, with a peak in December 2021 • 57 RACFs in WSLHD with repeat outbreaks • 10 COVID-19 outbreaks at Disability Group Homes (DGHs) in WSLHD. • Majority of residents were able to be cared for safely in place This was done in partnership between Integrated and Community Health, Nursing and Midwifery staff and Allied Health to provide care in place, education, and training on COVID 19 management and Infection Prevention and Control, personal protective equipment (PPE) fit testing, COVID-19 testing and management of consumables.

inTouch Care The inTouch Care program was developed to care for increasing COVID-19 positive people living in the western Sydney community, many of who were at risk of hospitalisation due to complex social circumstances or other health conditions. The inTouch program provided wrap around community- based care from a multi-disciplinary team of doctors, nurses and allied health clinicians and private providers. Integrated and Community Health rapidly redeployed 150 staff to resource the inTouch model to provide care to a complex cohort of patients from 129 different countries speaking 83 different languages where 31% preferred to use a language other than English. Clients are provided with ongoing assessment, self- management support and education through virtual care, and linked to community-based services to keep them well at home. In addition to this, a psychosocial support hub was established to support the complex psychosocial needs of the western Sydney community to ensure access to shelter, medication, culturally appropriate food and mental health support during isolation. Over the last 12 months over 14,000 people have been supported through the program. My Experience Matters surveys have been overwhelmingly positive, with consumers on average rating the service at 85 out of a possible 100 across the domains of kindness, involvement in care and likely to recommend. The program’s success, and positive patient feedback, has seen it expanded to include not only those with COVID-19, but for the Better Healthcare Model for people with chronic and complex conditions, as well as for residents living in residential aged care facilities. “Hearing the same voice calmed me down and answered all the questions I had that had confusing answers online” “It made me feel like I have a close friend who is caring of me like a member of my family this made me feel happy. Thank you very much” Patient Feedback

WSLHD Outreach vaccination Aged care success story. Left to right: Hubertha Van Den Hende (Resident) and Vanessa Molina (Reg Nurse).

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