Yellow Envelope
Yellow Envelopes
The Yellow Envelope is a communication tool utilised in clinical handover when residents of aged care facilities are transferred to and from the hospital. It aims to improve patient safety, the quality, and continuity of care.
The evidence shows a gap in communication on transfer between RACH and hospital that can impact the safety and quality of care provided. Incomplete records and the lack of communication in handover processes are the main causes of reduced safety and quality of services and patient dissatisfaction.
Transferring residents to hospital is often associated with increased risk of unintended adverse events such as falls, new wounds, medication errors, infections, and deconditioning.
Supply
Residential aged care services and hospitals within the Central QLD, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast regions can order a supply of Yellow Envelopes by emailing filling out the order form below.
Alternatively, you can also download the yellow envelope template here and affix to an envelope.
RACHs and hospitals outside of the PHN regions above can visit the Department of Health website to find their PHN details.
Give us your feedback by scanning the QR Code.
Support material
Flowcharts
The clinical information flow charts illustrate how the Yellow Envelope supports clinical handover between settings of care and between care providers.
A copy of the flowcharts can be downloaded here
Factsheets
The yellow envelope factsheet for residents and families can be downloaded here
Education
The Yellow Envelope education and training package has been developed to support implementation and education of staff at your facility. Click below to download the Yellow Envelope Education Presentation.
