POAC Hospital Supported Discharge Service

Process for Hospital Referral to POAC Services

Instructions for Hospitals

1. Document Discharge Plan:

   • Use the POAC EDS template (where available) to document the discharge summary.

   • Include details of treatment provided in the hospital and outline the ongoing treatment required.

   • Clearly indicate that the patient is POAC-funded.

   • Ensure the plan is clear and concise for both the patient and the facility providing further care.

2. Patient Instructions:

   • Further Urgent Care Clinic providers can be found at Healthpoint. The patient may attend any clinic across the greater Auckland area.

   • The patient may book with their own GP if preferred.

3. POAC Number:

   • A POAC number is not always required at discharge. The attending clinic will generate this number if referral is for Urgent Care or GP follow up.

   • A POAC case number will be generated for online radiology, residential care and home supports/nursing cares

   • POAC covers all costs for the episode of care, including the initial consult.

   • If transport to the clinic is required, contact POAC to arrange this.

4. Home-Based Supports:

   • For safe and supported returns to home, POAC can provide short-term home supports such as assistance with showering, dressing, meal preparation, medication prompting, and wellness checks.

   • Referrals can be made online at Home Supports Referral.

5. Emergency Residential Care:

   • Short-term urgent care (up to 7 nights under normal circumstances) may be arranged during business hours in rest homes or private hospitals.

   • Referrals can be made online at Residential Care Referral.

6. Transportation:

   • POAC can arrange transport for acute appointments (e.g. IV therapy) or transfers to POAC-funded care facilities post discharge.

   • Contact POAC directly to organise transportation.

7. Home-Based IV Therapy:

   • Available in some areas, depending on dose timing. Contact POAC to discuss options (09) 535 7218.

8. Community Radiology Investigations:

   • POAC coordinates and funds urgent radiology (available Monday-Friday only; completed within 24-48 hours) to assist with fast-tracking of hospital discharge.

   • Include post-ultrasound management plans in the discharge summary (e.g. advice to GP for follow-up).

   • Submit referrals using online Radiology Request.

   • After hours, provide the patient with the POAC contact number and advise them to expect a call the next business day with appointment details.

   • Patients should contact POAC if they do not receive a call by midday.

Instructions for Urgent Care Clinics or GPs Providing Service

1. Patient Referral from Hospital:

   • Refer to the hospital discharge summary for the services required.

   • POAC will fund the initial consultation and subsequent treatment as outlined.

2. Services Covered (outlined in the hospital discharge summary):

   • Further treatment for conditions such as cellulitis or dehydration.

   • Review post-acute radiology investigation.

   • Follow-up for patients under residential care facilities receiving POAC-supported recuperation.

   • Final GP review post-discharge for identified clinical concerns (usually within 24-48 hours post-discharge).

3. POAC Referral Submission:

   • Submit the POAC referral in the usual way, clearly indicating it was initiated by the hospital ED or ward.

4. Contact POAC for further information or questions:

   • Phone: (09) 535 7218

   • Email: referral@poac.co.nz 

5. For information or training requests, contact Deanna Williams (Service Manager) at deannaw@easthealth.co.nz