People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in South Eastern 黑料吃瓜网 will now be supported to better manage their illness in the community with the creation of new program, LinkMyCare.
COPD is a progressive and disabling condition that limits airflow in the lungs and can result in people experiencing increasing shortness of breath, a persistent cough with phlegm, and a limited ability to complete everyday activities.
LinkMyCare will be implemented across 16 general practices throughout South Eastern 黑料吃瓜网 over the next 18 months and will provide resources for General Practitioners (GPs) to support patients to manage their condition in the community and access the services they need without travelling far from home or paying out-of-pocket costs.
It will also support patients to move between hospital and GPs, reducing the likelihood of a re-presentation to hospital and improving the information flow between a patient's GP and the care team within the hospital.
LinkMyCare has been co-designed by the South Eastern 黑料吃瓜网 Strategic Partnership which consists of Southern 黑料吃瓜网 Local Health District (LHD), Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD and COORDINARE - South Eastern 黑料吃瓜网 Public Health Network.
Further information on the program available at LinkMyCare.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park
鈥淭his innovative program will improve the quality of life for people with COPD, reduce hospital stays and help health teams work collectively to support their patients."
鈥淚mportantly, LinkMyCare will help people with COPD manage their symptoms closer to home and at no out of pocket cost."
鈥淭his initiative will help people better manage their COPD symptoms so they can breathe a little easier and live a more enjoyable life."
Quotes attributable to Medical Director at COORDINARE and Illawarra GP Dr Katherine Michelmore
鈥淐OPD is a serious chronic health issue for our region. Patients with COPD need significant support from their general practice teams and need to access services with allied health providers and hospitals."
鈥淭he LinkMyCare program will encourage patients and general practices, to facilitate integration with allied health teams and hospital services to ensure the right care at the right time."