Nurse Navigator – assistance for GPs

In News, Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

The nurse navigator and the co-ordination of care – how it works

The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service model of care depicts the general practitioner as the central case manager.  

The nurse navigator’s role is to assist with the provision of services for patients who have complex health conditions to ensure patients receive appropriate and timely care. 

Nurse navigators working in the community setting aim to reduce fragmentation, mitigate barriers and educate patients and assist in the coordination of care and follow up.  

All information from community and acute stakeholders is regularly communicated back to the GP.

With the current stress on healthcare services and the impact on vulnerable and high-risk patients, the SCHHS would like to reassure you that the nurse navigator team is continuing to support patients referred to our service.

We aim to continue to enhance engagement and co-ordination of patient’s acute, outpatient and primary /community health needs.

Services may be offered in a different manner than face to face such as phone consultations or telehealth.

Should you have patients that are vulnerable and the impact of changed service delivery is causing health issues please don’t hesitate to refer to us.

The NNS has referral pathways through HealthPathways and Smart Referrals. Your local PHN practice support officer can also assist you with the applications if required.

www.health.qld.gov.au/sunshinecoast/html/services/nurse-nav

Please do not hesitate to contact us directly on the Nurse Navigator Intake number: (07) 5470 5247 or via email SCHHSNurseNavigatorService@health.qld.gov.au if you have any questions.