The Greater Southern Area Health Service has introduced a new treatment program in Goulburn aimed at keeping older patients mobile.
The pilot ambulatory program was launched in the city last night.
The aim of the program is to provide services to older people in their own home to avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital.
GSAHS chief executive Heather Gray says existing services have been re-designed for the pilot.
Among them is the health service's current pulmonary rehabilitation program, whic is being reviewed in hopes an outreach physiotherapy service can be developed for people with newly diagnosed and existing conditions.
"We have redesigned existing services to introduce new practices, improve communication and integrate services between the hospital, the patient and their doctor," Ms Gray said.
"This new shared approach to care is based on evidence that there are improved outcomes for patients who are treated within the community rather than an inpatient setting."
Ms Gray said a key element of the program is regular meetings with all of a patient's doctors to plan and review and plan care.
Another key part will be the recruitment of a nurse practitioner with expertise in chronic disease, particularly respiratory and cardiac disease, the chief executive said.
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