GEDI CHIP Nurses Phoebe, Emma, and Tricia
Nurses Phoebe, Emma, and Tricia are a powerful team equipped with the connections and compassion required to help elderly patients in the emergency department.
The Geriatric Emergency Department Initiative (GEDI) works as the central nerve centre, reaching out to their network of supports to ensure the best possible care for frail people over the age of 75.
The ultimate goal is to ensure patients are healthy, well, and back home where they can recoup in comfort, which Phoebe Francey said can go a long way in their recovery.
“Hospital avoidance is our main job, and the way we do that is by working with the families, patients, carers, and emergency clinicians,” she said.
“So we see the patients in the emergency department when they first come in, then liaise with Allied Health or refer them to OT, physio, or social work.”
As Emma Kennedy explains, the role requires a slightly different lens compared to other staff in ED.
“We look beyond the immediate sickness, and look at everything that’s going on,” she said.
“We’re not just focusing on what’s wrong right now, but we consider how are they going to manage, how is this going to affect them, and how can we keep them safe to go home.”
The Community Health Interface Program (CHIP) part of the job is just as important, with the team connecting to services such as GEMITH or Nurse Navigators which Tricia West said is incredibly rewarding.
“At times we even organise for someone to do daily checks for a patient at home, especially if they live at home and are at risk of falls,” she said.
And after joining PAH in 1979, Tricia has an undeniable appreciation for those who work beside her every day.
“One of the best things about this job is the people you work with. I love coming to work each day when I know I am working with these girls as we all have the same compassion and work ethic.”
Tricia, Phoebe, and Emma’s compassion, impressive skillset and advocacy for the elderly awarded them the PA Hospital’s Staff Award for June.
Congratulations to the GEDI CHIP team!