Country Patient Health Support boosts appointment attendance by helping regional patients with Perth travel

A health service designed to support regional patients needing specialist care in metro areas has helped boost attendance outcomes for medical appointments in its first year of offering support. Country Patient Health Support has helped more than 350 vulnerable country patients access specialised healthcare. WA Country Health Service CEO Jeff Moffet said the service was helping some of WA’s most vulnerable feel patients feel more supported. “The health system can be overwhelming and sometimes difficult to navigate, particularly if you’ve never been off country and are away from your community,” he said. “We know Country PatHS is having a very positive impact on the patient journey. “We’re hearing it firsthand from our patients, but our data also shows significant improvements in the number of country patients attending their appointments in the city.” New data from WACHS has revealed attendance levels have increased to 95 per cent for regional patients with metro medical appointments since the support became available. The service includes comprehensive journey co-ordination and assistance with accommodation access while in Perth. It is offered to residents with specialised care needs in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest and Goldfields who need to travel for treatment. Kimberley resident Maxine Shandley benefited from Country PatHS to support her during a medical trip to Perth. She received support to attend multiple hospital and GP appointments, including assistance with medical requirements, medication access, connection to welfare agencies, transportation to appointments and airport navigation. Ms Shandley commended WACHS for “doing it the better way” in their approach to aiding regional and remote communities. Regional patients can access the support by sending an email to countrypaths@health.wa.gov.au