I must admit that the first year of Caitlin’s life was pretty full on with hospital visits as an outpatient and as an inpatient. Caitlin had a big team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital; cardiologist, neurologist, ENT, sleep and respiratory, audiologist, dermatologist and ophthalmologist. So, you can imagine the number of appointments that she had, some would clash, and others be only days apart which could mean that we would be up at the hospital 3 times in the one week. Luckily for us, one of Caitlin’s medical team had referred her to the Connected Care Program. This awesome group of nurses became our point of contact with all her medical team at Queensland Children’s Hospital. They continue to assist in coordinating Caitlin’s appointments so that they aren’t all spread out or on top of one another, and they assisted in organising supplies for Caitlin’s NG feeding back when she needed it. They also sometimes provide a shoulder to cry on or are just someone to chat to.
The Connected Care and Nurse Navigator Programs help families with children aged 16 and under with chronic and complex health conditions (like Caitlin) who see multiple specialists on a regular basis. Not all children with medical needs will meet these criteria; but if your little one regularly sees medical specialists across a range of hospital teams, it is worth requesting a referral to this program. To do so, discuss with your child’s doctor; paediatric specialist; senior nurse; or a senior allied health professional for a referral.
Connected Care staff can be found in hospitals across Queensland (Bundaberg; Cairns; Gold Coast; Hervey Bay; Ipswich; Mackay; Mt Isa; Rockhampton; Sunshine Coast; Toowoomba; Townsville and Brisbane). Their role is to coordinate access to health care providers and support services families need for their child, both within the hospital and health service where they live and, if required, across the state. They provide a single point of contact for families for support and assistance.
The role of Nurse Navigators is to work with families and hospital doctors to identify and monitor the healthcare requirements of children with high needs, develop tailored care plans and facilitate timely access to appropriate services. These specialist nurses support families for a short, intense period during the child’s treatment and then they are discharged from the program, whereas the Connected Care Program, the children are supported for as long as needed or into transition into adult services.
More information can be found at:
Connected care and nurse navigator program
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/qch/patients-families/connected-care
Connected Care Program
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/service-connected-care-program
Nurses Navigators
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/service-nurse-navigators
Information for Health Professionals
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/service-connected-care-program-info-health-professionals
