The equivalent of two fulltime positions will be created at Manning Hospital under the NSW Government's Patient Experience program, the first of its kind in Australia.
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Patient Experience Officers will greet patients on arrival at emergency departments and COVID-19 clinics and help to guide them through their care, providing information on where to go, what to expect, and updates on appointment queues.
As part of the program patients receive:
- access to free Wi-Fi, mobile phone charging stations, additional power points, water and other refreshments
- information sent to their mobile device about what to expect during their stay
- fact sheets on their particular condition/ treatment options
- ongoing care instructions after discharge, available in multiple languages.
"This program aims to create a welcoming, safe, empowering environment for everyone who arrives at our emergency departments," Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead said.
The government has announced an $8.6 million expansion of the Patient Experience Program. An additional 86 full time equivalent staff will be recruited to 50 hospitals across NSW, with facilities operating COVID-19 clinics a priority, including the equivalent of two fulltime at Manning Hospital.
Staff receive specific training from the NSW Ministry of Health Patient Experience Team, Service NSW, and their Local Health District, to ensure they are well qualified to provide this extra support to patients, carers and visitors."
Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said the recruitment of new positions is already underway, and there has been overwhelming interest to participate in this exciting program.
Advice in multiple languages will also be given on safety, hygiene and COVID-19 symptoms.
The funding boost to this program is part of the NSW Government's $800 million investment to support the health system's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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