Elderly residents across south-western Sydney have access to more tailored, timely healthcare in the comfort of their own homes via the Community Older Persons Intervention and Liaison Outreach Team (COPILOT).
This community-based integrated geriatric urgent care service eases pressure on emergency departments by responding urgently to the medical and physical health needs of older people in the community for non-life threatening conditions.
Care is provided in the patient’s own home by a multidisciplinary team of geriatricians, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dietitians and occupational therapists.
Patients are referred to the geriatric urgent care service through a number of channels including local GPs, NSW Ambulance, and emergency department aged care teams.
The service has been in operation in Liverpool and Campbelltown since late 2023 and was officially launched today at Fairfield Hospital as part of the NSW government’s commitment to delivery of 25 Urgent Care Services by June 2025.
It operates 8am-4.30pm seven days a week, with phone consultations between 4.30pm-8pm.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“Our government is rolling out Urgent Care Services like this one across the state, to increase access to healthcare within the community, and reduce the immense pressure on our hospital system.
“Data has shown thousands of patients have been treated by Urgent Care Service and Clinics, allowing people to receive the care they need quicker, without the stress of visiting ED”.
“Improving access to healthcare is a ministerial priority of mine, and I am really pleased with the results we have seen with other Urgent Care Services across NSW.
Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott said:
“As our population grows, our community will get older. COPILOT will become even more essential, and important service to ensuring their success in an ever-changing society.
“Our community is growing, and by 2031 there will be more than 155,000 Fairfield residents over the age of 70. It’s important we invest in their success early.”
Member for Fairfield, David Saliba said:
“It’s essential as the number of older residents in our community grows, we have the right services in place to meet their needs. COPILOT is an important part of ensuring we achieve this.
“The COPILOT team – which consists of geriatricians, nurses, allied health staff as well as administrative support – is designed to help meet this growing local need.”
Member for Cabramatta, Tri Vo said:
“Delighted to be part of this important announcement which will make a huge difference to everyone in our community, delivering care to older people while easing pressure on wait times in ED.
“COPILOT is one of many exciting new initiatives the NSW Government is investing in to benefit communities all over southwestern Sydney.”
South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Sonia Marshall said:
“We all have times in our lives when we need care quickly, but don’t need the full suite of care available at a hospital.
“COPILOT ensures older people have access to multidisciplinary teams that can provide expert care wherever they are.”
