Gold Coast Health is recognised for quality patient care, nursing and midwifery excellence and innovations in professional nursing and midwifery practice under the Magnet® Recognition Program.
"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.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.
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 later this year.
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 when the sub-acute extension to GCUH opens but, meanwhile, significant steps have already been taken. These include:
Work underway:
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.
