Metro South Health has extended the following Rapid Access Services (RAS) for patients who require escalation of care

• Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) Medical Assessment and Planning Unit (MAPU)
• Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) Support Services (RaSS)
• PAH Known Patients General Medicine (RAS-KP)

How can a Rapid Access Service (RAS) benefit my patient? 

Metro South Health RAS provides assessment and treatment to patients requiring escalation of care, bypassing the need to attend emergency departments (ED) and preventing further clinical progression of their health conditions. 

Rapid Access Services (RAS) in the Brisbane south region 

The following RAS are available in our region. Please log in to HealthPathways (also known as SpotonHealth Healthpathways) for full criteria, locations and referral information.  

PAH Medical Assessment and Planning (MAPU)

• Assessment and treatment within 24 to 48 hours of referral for hemodynamically stable patients requiring escalation of care. 
• Early IV antibiotics, IV diuretics and iron infusions are a few of the immediate, short-term treatments that MAPU RAS offers. 
• Further care may also be provided through Hospital in The Home (HITH) services or appointments to MAPU RAS for treatment (if applicable). 

RACF Support Services (RaSS)

• A single point of contact for RACF staff and GPs to discuss and refer acutely unwell patients to receive specialist care. 
• RaSS is provided by the Metro South Health CAREPACT service in the Brisbane south region (Comprehensive Aged Residents Emergency Partners in Assessment Care and Treatment).  

PAH Known Patients General Medicine (RAS-KP) extended until February 2024

• Access to early review by General Medicine for patients who are unwell and who are known to the PAH General Medicine service within the last 12 months. 

How to refer a patient 

GPs can log in to HealthPathways to access RAS criteria, locations and referral information. To refer a patient:

• request HealthPathways access online or phone 07 3156 4346 
• log in to HealthPathways
• enter username   
• enter password  
• search ‘rapid access’ 
• select the appropriate specialty for the patient’s needs to see if a RAS is available  
• continue to check the Acute Assessment pages when a patient requires RAS escalation of care. These pages have been redesigned based on GP feedback. Information will continuously be updated as new services become available in the coming months.

About HeathPathways

HealthPathways provides clinicians with easily accessible online information that outlines the evidenced-based assessment, management, and referral of more than 550 health conditions. 

It is collaboratively developed by GPs, Specialists and other health professionals. Each pathway is locally informed and tailored to the unique health needs of the Brisbane south region. It includes referral options for Metro South Health, Children’s Health Queensland, Mater Health and Brisbane South PHN programs. 

More information 

• Visit HealthPathways  
• Request access to HealthPathways online or phone 07 3156 4346 

Information current as of 4 July 2023.