As it nears its first anniversary, the Care Coordination Service Centre (CCSC) in Cairns is transforming healthcare for those with complex needs in Far North Queensland.
This groundbreaking initiative is making waves in the region, and exciting developments are on the horizon as the CCSC prepares to expand its life-changing support to even more communities.
The CCSC, which opened in Cairns in November 2023, was a joint project between QAIHC, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, and the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.
The first of its kind in Queensland, the centre supports the patient journey of people with complex health needs through the health system.
It also acts as a single point of contact for patients who would otherwise need to discuss their complex care with multiple healthcare workers from different disciplines.
Indeed, the centre has proved so effective that the Queensland government plans to roll out the model to other areas of need.
QAIHC’s acting Deputy CEO David Harmer said the CCSC provided a great service supported by comprehensive data about patient care coordination needs and an excellent dashboard tool.
“We’re excited to see the service thrive and grow,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to it being rolled out statewide in partnership between Aboriginal community controlled health organisations and Hospital and Health Services.
“It’s so important that mob, particularly in rural and remote settings, are able get the help they need with specialist appointments and travel,” he said.
“Navigating the health system can be hard, but CCSC really helps take the complexity out of organising health care, letting patients connect to different services across Queensland.”
Lockhart River resident Patrick Butcher Jr said accessing the healthcare he needs has been made much easier through the CCSC.
“They’ve supported me with transport and organising food packs,” Mr Butcher said.
“To have a service like that, for them to provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it’s so good.
“All I need to do is rock up at the right time.”
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said the CCSC had already enhanced the health and wellbeing of those in rural and remote communities across Far North Queensland.
“More than 1,600 people have accessed more streamlined care and treatment closer to home, reducing their need to travel, which we know can be a stressful, sometimes costly, experience,” Minister Fentiman said.
