Medical Respite Centre Pilot

The East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) is seeking to purchase the services for a two-year pilot of a Medical Respite Centre (MRC) for homeless patients across the Perth metropolitan area.

The primary focus of the MRC will be to support the individual to receive post-acute care during their recovery from illness or injury in a safe environment, while providing the ‘window of opportunity’ to link the person with community and social supports/organisations as a component of the broader system aimed towards assisting people out of homelessness.

In addition, EMHS is seeking to purchase primary health care in-reach services at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) for people who are homeless or are significantly at risk of becoming homeless.

The primary and overarching outcomes sought from the services are improved physical and mental health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness and improved social outcomes by facilitating the transition out of homelessness.

The proposed Contract will comprise of the following three (3) schedules. In addition to submitting an offer for all schedules, respondents can submit individual offers for each of the schedules. However, due to the complexity and interrelatedness of the schedules, respondents will need to demonstrate a commitment to the collaboration and information sharing that is required for the effective development, integration, and management of the MRC. EMHS encourages respondents to work collaboratively prior to submission and to consider using arrangements such as consortia to achieve the MRC’s outcomes.

An Offer that includes sub-contracting, partnership, joint venture or consortium structures will need to be clearly stated and include detail of the proposed working relationship, who is the lead organisation, and the governance arrangements between the organisations.

Schedule 1: Medical Respite Centre primary operator

In summary the service will:

1. Operate a 24/7 Medical Respite Centre, including case coordination for residents, providing a service that is culturally appropriate and that can cater for homeless people via public hospital referral from across the Perth metropolitan area;
2. Provide a fit for purpose, compliant and licensed facility with the appropriate capacity (20 beds);
3. Deliver a safe accommodation to eligible residents including accommodation management activities
4. Provide, or facilitate/coordinate access, to support services tailored to meet the needs of each resident; and
5. Ensure the appropriate health related regulations, accreditation and governance are adhered to.

Schedule 2: Primary healthcare in-reach at the MRC

In summary the service will:

1. Provide an integrated medical care service that is culturally appropriate and that can cater for homeless people via public hospital referral from across the Perth metropolitan area;
2. Provide a comprehensive medical service that includes an initial assessment, regular GP and nursing consultation for each resident during the MRC stay, and discharge planning;
3. Liaison with other health and community services, including the Primary healthcare in-reach service at RPH and the RPH Consultation Liaison & Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service providing in-reach services into the MRC; and
4. Ensure the appropriate health related regulations, accreditation and governance are adhered to.

Schedule 3: Primary healthcare in-reach services at RPH for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

In summary the service will:

1. Provide an in-reach service at RPH for people who are homeless and people who are significantly at risk of becoming homeless, working with inpatient teams and community services to optimise and rationalise care, and assist with the appropriate discharge planning and/or referral to the MRC as required.