Investigation into Dementia or Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) services
On 1 December 2023, the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service commissioned an independent Health Service Investigation under Part 9 of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 into Dementia or Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) services.
The investigation examined the management, administration and delivery of public sector health services relating to patients with dementia and BPSD.
The report made recommendations that highlighted the need for high-quality care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of dementia patients and healthcare professionals.
GCHHS Part9 Investigation Dementia BPSD (PDF 544KB)
Gold Coast Actions
In response to recommendations made in the GCHHS Part 9 Investigation, the Chief Executive established a taskforce to develop a comprehensive plan to enhance dementia care. This includes significant changes to our workforce, education programs and training, built environment, and support services. Some of the plan depends on beds within the new 70-bed Sub-Acute expansion at Gold Coast University Hospital, which will play a pivotal role in improving dementia care once completed in June.
The implementation phase commenced in January and is being led by four dedicated working groups (clinical governance and policy, clinical care delivery, education and training, and people, operations and environment).
This strategy is essential for maintaining our health service's responsiveness and compassion, ensuring that we deliver optimal care for patients living with dementia, while also providing support for their families and caregivers and providing a safe environment for our staff.
The major elements of the plan will be fully implemented by July, when the sub-acute extension to GCUH opens. Meanwhile, significant steps have already been taken. These include:
- Expanded Psychiatric Liaison Service from five to seven-days (commenced in January 2024) and increased staffing at Robina Hospital.
- Introduced a new Clinical Concern Escalation procedure (commenced in June 2024) focusing on the timely communication of clinical concerns and issues.
- Rolled out new training and work practices in wards providing services to complex and severe dementia patients.
- Increased staffing levels across numerous units (including the Patient Supervision Team, the Psychiatric Liaison Service, occupational therapy and neuropsychology).
- Introduced new Directors of Medical Services at Robina and Gold Coast University Hospitals to manage inter-team escalations of complex cases.
- Established new Ambassadors program, which will be included in the model of care for patients exhibiting challenging behaviours related to dementia to work alongside security.
- Enhanced the built environment of the Complex Management Unit.
- Implemented comprehensive training accessible to all clinical staff including mandatory training for staff delivering dementia care.
Work underway:
- Upskilling all nursing streams, general medicine, and aged care services units within the next 12 months.
- Establishing a new Specialist Psychogeriatric Consultation Service to support the treatment of patients experiencing BPSD.
- Patients with severe symptoms of dementia (and associated behaviours), to be cared for in dedicated purpose-built units at Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital, with enhanced staffing ratios.
- Patients with moderate symptoms, to be treated in dedicated units with a range of specialist dementia care programs, and staff trained to support patients.
- Patients with moderate mild dementia/delirium to be cared for onwards, underpinned by enhanced training and education, available to all staff.
Gold Coast Health is committed to implementing all actions and recommendations to provide the best possible care for patients and the community. Additionally, Gold Coast Health is participating in a statewide Dementia Advisory Group, to ensure continued commitment to delivery of a contemporary model of care for dementia.
