Geriatric Flying Squad (Southcare)
The Geriatric Flying Squad is a rapid response outreach service into Sutherland Shire Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs).
Clients suitable for referral to the Geriatric Flying Squad (GFS) are from Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) in the Sutherland Shire local government area who are acutely unwell.
Common conditions GFS can assist with include:
- Pneumonia Community acquired and suspected aspiration pneumonia
- Delirium (i.e. acute change or fluctuation in cognition and/or behaviour)
- Fevers/Infections (i.e. urosepsis, cellulitis or sepsis of unknown origin)
- Acute exacerbations of chronic conditions/symptoms (i.e. heart failure, lung conditions)
- Outbreak management (i.e. gastroenteritis, influenza) – proactive symptom management and support to RACF (Residential Aged Care Facility)
- Terminal palliation following acute deterioration
- Acute conditions where preference is to avoid hospital presentation/admission and focus of care is on conservative management in the RACF
A person who:
1. Is living in a Sutherland Shire RACF.
2. Has an acute deterioration.
3. Hospital transfer is being considered.
4. Has consent of GP (or GP uncontactable/unavailable and client/family consent for referral obtained)
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Residents residing in RACFs outside of the Sutherland Shire LGA
2. GP, resident or family decline Geriatric Flying Squad service
3. Where the condition requires a response in less than 2 hours (NB: GFS response time is 2- 12 hours)
4. Clients with acute cardiac event or haemorrhage or surgical problem for active treatment (referrals for same may be accepted if client is on palliative care/approaching end of life and hospital avoidance is preferred and acute symptom management is needed)
5. Transfusions of blood or blood related products
6. Ongoing chronic issues requiring a long-term input and management plan (i.e. no current acute concern)
7. Community members residing in Independent Living Units (ILUs) or group homes
- By phone 0419 382 406
- Fax a Geriatric Flying Squad referral form/checklist to (02) 9540 7869.
- Electronic Medical Record (eMR) referral (TSH)
The Geriatric Flying Squad service accepts referrals from General Practitioners, Residential Aged Care Facility staff, NSW Ambulance service and TSH Emergency Department staff.
Nil
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak, and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and us on 0419 382 406.