Health Independence Program (HIP)

Health Independence Programs (HIP) encompass the Subacute Ambulatory Care Services (SACS), Complex Care Services (CCS) previously known as HARP, Residential In Reach (RIR) and Post-Acute Care (PAC). PAC services for St Vincent’s HIP are delivered by North Richmond Community Health through the Inner Melbourne Post Acute Care service.

HIP comprise many of the services that deliver health care to support the transition from hospital to the home or to prevent the need for a hospital presentation or stay. Clients can access these services directly from the community. HIP services are delivered in the community, in ambulatory settings and in people’s homes.

HIP was introduced by the DH&HS in 2008 bringing together the four previously separate service streams of Subacute Ambulatory Care, Post Acute Care, Hospital Admission Risk Program and Residential In Reach under common guidelines.

The intent of HIP is to deliver improved outcomes for clients and to support hospital demand management and flow, through delivering integrated and coordinated care to clients across the hospital and community interface, reducing duplication and fragmentation of services and ensuring client centered care planning.

St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne - North Richmond Community Health HIP Vision

Our Health Independence Program delivers a coordinated, integrated and interdisciplinary health and support service with a single plan of care. We work to enable clients to be the decision makers of their care, and support clients through self-management to achieve their healthcare goals. Our accessible program is well recognised and strongly linked to the local community and service sector. Our approach enhances the client experience and improves their health, wellbeing and independence.

HIP-Model

Specialist Clinics for Older Persons

The Specialist Clinics at St George’s Hospital include the Continence Clinic, Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS), Geriatric Medical Clinic, and Falls and Balance Clinic

Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP)

St Vincent’s Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP) is a Health Independence Program (HIP) HARP aims to improve people’s health outcomes and manage the rate in growth and demand for public hospital services by reducing the use of emergency departments (ED) and inpatient services where avoidable.

Residential in Reach

Residential Aged care In-Reach provides hospital type care, where appropriate and safe, to people living in residential aged care facilities (RACF).

Post Acute Care (PAC)

St Vincent’s receives Post Acute Care services through Inner Melbourne Post Acute Care: a service delivered by North Richmond Community Health.

Community Rehabilitation Services

Community Rehabilitation services incorporate the community rehabilitation centres and rehabilitation in the home as well as a number of specialised services.

Complex Disability Services

There are three SACS Complex Disability Services; Intrathecal Baclofen Clinic, Polio Services Victoria, Young Adult Complex Disability Service

Barbara Walker Centre for Pain Management

The Barbara Walker Centre for Pain Management (BWCPM) is predominantly an outpatient multidisciplinary service that provides assessment, treatment and consultation for patients with persistent pain.

HIP-Strip-DHHS