An ambulatory vision for Navy (Balmoral Naval Hospital)
Ambulatory Health Care can be described as ‘effective efficient care required for routine patients that have predictable needs and outcomes’ (Western Australia Health Department, 2007). Primarily, Ambulatory Care can be considered as healthcare that occurs external to a hospital and most often within the Community. Balmoral Naval Hospital (BNH) in consultation with the Greater Sydney/NSW Area Health Service has recognised the significant benefits of providing Ambulatory Health Care to ADF members. As a result, BNH has implemented a trial program, in which appropriate patients can receive health care delivery within in the Community, primarily their
own home. This program was originally introduced to address the potential costly use of inpatient services within civilian hospitals during BNH’s closure for refurbishment. The current Ambulatory Health Care program is an element of the Navy Patient Coordination Cell, which is a broader BNH initiative, which includes a Pre-admission Clinic, Community Nurse, Navy Patient Hospital Divisional Officer, and eventually Rehabilitation Co-ordinator.
