Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Community health services

Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) presented a petition bearing 60 signatures:

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the need for policies in community health care centres to ensure that next of kin are contacted if a high-risk patient fails to attend an appointment. A high-risk patient can include someone who is of an elderly age, alcohol and drug dependent (prescription or illicit), living with a disability, living alone, experiencing homelessness, from diverse cultures or showing high risk behaviours. Public health, community health and medical professionals need to take action to protect the health of high-risk patients, especially when the patient does not show up for a routine medical appointment. These professionals should call the patient and leave a voicemail. If there is no reply within 24 hours, they should contact the next of kin or emergency contact. If there is no next of kin or emergency contact, a welfare check should be conducted.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to ensure all community health centres have policies in place to notify a next of kin when a high-risk patient fails to attend an appointment and if, there is no next of kin documented, a welfare check must be made within three days.

Sarah MANSFIELD: I move:

That the petition be taken into consideration on the next day of meeting.

Motion agreed to.