A Clinical Nurse Consultant from the Royal District Nursing Service works with both patients and hospital staff to ensure that appropriate care is planned for patients returning home. The Liaison Clinical Nurse Consultants act as a link between the hospital and home environment.

The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has a well-established reputation as Australia's leading home nursing and healthcare provider, delivering well over one million visits each year across Greater Melbourne. RDNS seeks to ensure that clients receive a high level of general and specialised nursing care delivered by a highly qualified team of healthcare professionals.

RDNS care is based on a philosophy that the well-being of clients is enhanced by the client's choice to receive care in the comfort of their own home. We also recognise that continuity of care between the hospital and home is an essential component in achieving positive health outcomes and promoting the well-being of clients.

RDNS is an independent, not for profit organisation jointly funded by the Federal and State governments. We also depend on public donations and support. RDNS services are available to people with a genuine need for home nursing care.

Major services provided by RDNS

• Support and technical care to clients on HITH, PAC and other programs
• Administration of medications
• Wound management
• Diabetes management
• Continence management
• Aged care
• Support and rehabilitation
• Palliative care
• Specialist services in: HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, stomal therapy, aged care and cystic fibrosis
• Homeless Persons Program
• Allied health including social work, physiotherapy and music therapy
• Personal care assessment and assistance

RDNS Hospital Liaison Service

The RDNS Liaison Service, operating in all major public hospitals across Melbourne, provides the vital bridge for clients moving from the hospital setting back into their home. RDNS Liaison Clinical Nurse Consultants work with hospital staff and other health care services and providers to achieve best health outcomes for clients.

This is achieved through:

• Providing community focussed nursing assessments for patients
• Collaborating with hospital staff for discharge planning. This includes discussion of patients' ongoing needs and ensuring that all equipment, supplies and information has been provided prior to discharge.
• Participation in family case conferences
• Coordinating admission to RDNS including the scheduling of home visits by specialist and general nursing staff
• Advising of the need for other community services as needed e.g. Home Help, Meals on Wheels

Contacting RDNS Liaison Clinical Nurse Consultant

The RDNS Liaison Clinical Nurse Consultants are in attendance at Box Hill Hospital, Maroondah Hospital and the Peter James Centre.

Contact information cards are available on all wards indicating the times and pager details for the Liaison Clinical Nurse Consultants who are in attendance at these hospitals.

For clients and general enquiries:

Telephone: 1300 33 44 55

For health professionals:

Telephone: 1300 687 7464 (1300 NURSING)

Fax: 1300 657 265

Website: www.rdns.com.au