Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service was proudly represented at the Clinical Excellence Queensland Showcase, held at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre recently.
Hervey Bay Hospital staff from the Integrated Care team presented a pioneering model of care for older people.
The presentation, Empowering the Elderly through Integrated Care, was co-delivered by Nurse Unit Manager Dorothy Nicholson and Project Lead Rachel Parry.
It detailed the newly launched GEM/GEMR HITH Geriatric Evaluation and Management / Rehabilitation Hospital in the Home service operating on the Fraser Coast since March.
The innovative 10-bed service is reshaping aged care delivery by offering subacute care in patients’ homes rather than a traditional hospital setting.
“By delivering care in the home, we’re reducing avoidable hospital admissions and giving patients more choice about where and how they receive care,” Rachel said.
The GEM/GEMR HITH service supports patients experiencing physical, functional or cognitive decline due to frailty and offers either 10 days of subacute care or up to 28 days of rehabilitation.
The multidisciplinary team includes a geriatrician, nursing staff, and allied health professionals.
“The team works closely together to deliver holistic, person-centred care,” Rachel said.
“We’re not just treating symptoms – we’re supporting wellbeing, independence, and dignity. It’s a really rewarding way to care.”
Operations Director Integrated Care Trudie Diserens said the event was a valuable opportunity to share insights and learn from other health services across Queensland.
“Being part of the Clinical Excellence Showcase helps us highlight what’s working in our region and learn from others who are innovating in their own communities,” she said.
“The GEM/GEMR HITH service is a great example of how collaboration, enablement and equity can improve outcomes for older people.”
This service expansion is part of Wide Bay’s commitment to delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Attending the showcase from WBHHS were:
- Trudie Diserens – Operations Director, Integrated Care
- Rachel Parry – Project Lead, GEM/GEMR HITH
- Dorothy Nicholson – Nurse Unit Manager, Integrated Care Fraser Coast
- Kathy Tobin – Telehealth Clinical Nurse Consultant
- Dr Fiona Baker – Clinical Director, Integrated Care Fraser Coast