Question addresses policies regarding family/carer support for dementia patients undergoing medical procedures in WA public hospitals. Answer confirms policies exist, but are not uniform, and outlines boarder fees.

AnsweredQoN 5818Legislative Assembly
Asked
23 August 2016
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to patients with dementia in public hospitals, and ask: (a) does the policy adopted at WA public hospitals enable a family member or carer to stay with a patient who is to undergo a medical procedure, but who also suffers from dementia; (b) if yes, what are the terms of that policy; and (c) if no, what are the impediments to this occurring?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
11 October 2016
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
49 days
(a) All WA public hospitals have policies in place that enable patients attending with the diagnosis of dementia to have a recognised carer staying while the patient undergoes treatment, unless this is clinically contraindicated. There is no uniform policy across the health system.
(b) All hospitals recognise that in some circumstances it is necessary to accommodate a boarder in the hospital for the wellbeing of a patient.
Boarders are commonly defined as a person who receives food and/or accommodation but for whom the hospital does not accept responsibility for treatment or care.
Fees can be charged for a boarder although under certain circumstances no charges are levied. If fees were to be charged they would be charged in accordance with the WA Health Fees and Charges Manual 2016/1 7.
(c) Not applicable.

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