An innovative Rapid Response Nursing (RRN) Model of Care is strengthening hospital-based care at Canberra Hospital by enabling early intervention and enhancing patient safety.
Launched in May, the $4 million ACT government-funded nurse-led outreach service – staffed by experienced Medical Emergency Team (MET) nurses – operates 24/7 across Canberra Hospital to identify, assess and respond to early signs of clinical deterioration in acutely unwell patients, helping to prevent serious complications and supporting existing emergency response systems.
Operating across medical and surgical wards, benefits of the model include:
- Targeted interventions for patients with clinical indicators of deterioration, including a Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) of 6 or recent ICU/ED discharge
- Proactive rounding on wards to identify at-risk patients early
- Collaborative care, working closely with ward teams to deliver consistent and coordinated treatment
- Real-time education and capability building in partnership with Clinical Development Nurses
Medical Emergency Team Clinical Nurse Consultant Aedon Talsma said it was incredibly rewarding to work for the service.
“Our team is made up of skilled nurses with intensive care and emergency experience. We work alongside doctors and ward staff to provide rapid support, build confidence and ensure that no signs of deterioration go unnoticed.”
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the implementation of the Rapid Response Nursing Model of Care aligned with broader objectives to reduce preventable harm, support staff capability and deliver quality care across the public health system.
“It’s a proactive approach that reduces the risk of patients’ conditions escalating and becoming critical, while also alleviating pressure on emergency and intense care services,” she said.
“The Rapid Response Nursing Service builds capability among hospital staff, empowering clinicians to act early and giving families peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving high-quality, compassionate and timely care.”
