Priority Care Centres

739 Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (25 August 2021). How can the success or otherwise of the Priority Care Centre model be measured in reducing ramping in hospital emergency departments?

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education): The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has been advised:

Priority Care Centres contribute to the alleviation of pressure on emergency departments (ED) by providing an alternative care pathway for people with lower acuity conditions who would otherwise attend an ED.

Since August 2019 when the Priority Care Centres pilot commenced, through to 29 August 2021, a total of 19,769 patients have attended a Priority Care Centres. These 19,769 people would have otherwise presented to an ED putting additional pressure on the system to deal with emergency patients.