RCCP: Information for health professionals
Our service
The Respiratory Coordinated Care Program (RCCP) is a specialised, hospital-based community service operating seven days a week. It is designed to support individuals with both acute and chronic respiratory conditions—such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), bronchiectasis, and chest infections —to maintain optimal health and remain safely in their homes.
RCCP Objectives:
- Reduce hospital admission and readmission rates
- Minimise hospital length of stay (HLOS)
- Support and empower patients in the self-management of their respiratory condition
- In-home respiratory assessment and monitoring
- Breathlessness management strategies
- Airway clearance education and techniques
- Home safety and mobility assessments
- Support with home oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation (NIV)
- Inhaler technique review and education
- Coordination of care and referral to relevant community or specialist services
- INR monitoring
- Arterial Blood Gases
- Venipuncture and cannulation
Our team consists of respiratory physiotherapists (Mon-Fri) and respiratory nurses (7 days).
To be referred to the Respiratory Coordinated Care Program, a person must fit ALL of the below criteria:
- > 18 years of age.
- Must have a respiratory condition such as COPD, PE, respiratory infection, OSA, respiratory failure, Bronchitis, Bronchiectasis, Asthma or interstitial lung disease.
- Reside within Bayside or Georges River council catchment area.
- Have their care optimised by a respiratory physician.
- Are psychosocially stable/appropriate for home visits.
- NOT live in a residential aged care facility.
If your patient is eligible for treatment, please complete this referral form and fax it to the St George Hospital’s Access and Referral Centre on (02) 9113 3388.
All mandatory information must be complete. The referral form ensures that you do not miss any important information to enable a timely and appropriate referral. You may be contacted requesting a review of your referral if any of the following information is missing.
Important points:
- You must address the referral to RCCP
- You must sign and date the referral, and include your provider number and practice address
- You must provide this referral prior to the appointment date
Once we receive your referral, we will notify your patient and/or their carer by phone to organise an initial community home visit.
You may contact (02) 9113 2807 to follow up on a referral if necessary.
Our service operates under Medicare, and all eligible patients will be bulk billed.