Minda client Annette loves nothing more than watching Adam Lambert and rock band Queen in concert and singing along in the comfort of her own home.
And thanks to a new SA Health program, when Annette injured her knee and was admitted to Flinders Medical Centre, she able to be back home and singing ‘We are the champions’ with “the king” Adam Lambert before she knew it.
Annette took part in Flinders Medical Centre’s Supporting Quality Assertive Discharge (SQAD) program, which identifies patients at risk of being in hospital for long stays and works with them to provide the support needed to return home.
SQAD program head Jaffar Liensavnh visited Annette at home last week, to check on her progress and even join in a few lines of ‘We will rock you’.
Jaffar says Annette had a long stay in Flinders Medical Centre when she had a fall a few years ago.
He says this time around, the SQAD team organised for Annette to return home after a couple of days.
We know that the majority of people do better in their own environment rather than in hospital. It’s good for the patient, and it’s also good for the hospital system.
“The team was able to assess Annette in her own environment, and then organise support services – occupational therapy and physiotherapy – for in-home treatment and rehabilitation,” Jaffar says.
“We know that the majority of people do better in their own environment rather than in hospital. It’s good for the patient, and it’s also good for the hospital system.”
In the first eight months of the SQAD program, 725 potential long stay patients were able to be discharged.
Minda Supported Independent Living Manager Catherine Costello says Annette’s recovery this time around was “much more pleasant”.
“From myself and my team’s point of view, it was very streamlined and took away any anxiety for Annette. Avoiding that extended stay in hospital also boosted her confidence levels,” Catherine says.
Annette’s brother Leon was also pleased with the outcome.
“It’s much better being in your comfortable surroundings at home than being in hospital,” Leon says.
“It was good to see Annette much more relaxed.”
With Queen playing in the background, Annette, who works in Packaging at Minda’s Commercial Enterprises at Reynella, happily says: “My knee is all fixed now”.
Annette (left) with brother Leon, SIL manager Catherine, and SQAD program head Jaffar.