NSW Heath has announced an expansion of its Patient Experience Program to hospital emergency departments and COVID-19 clinics.
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said an additional 86 staff would be recruited to 50 hospitals across NSW, with COVID-19 clinics given priority, as part of the State’s Australian-first program.
“This valuable program has proven to be a huge help to patients and carers during what is often a very worrying time, ensuring they receive all the information and support they need from the minute they arrive in our care,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The additional full-time staff will welcome patients and their families and provide them with directions and information about what to expect at each stage of their care and treatment,” he said.
“The extra support will go a long way as we continue to combat COVID-19.”
Mr Hazzard said that as part of the program patients received access to free Wi-Fi and mobile phone charging stations; water and other refreshments; information sent to their mobile about what to expect during their stay; fact sheets on their particular condition or treatment options; and ongoing care instructions after discharge.
He said the Patient Experience Program was piloted for six months at Blacktown, Liverpool, Nepean and Lismore hospitals and had won the 2019 NSW Premier’s Award for world-class customer service.
