The Geriatric Rapid Acute Care Evaluation (GRACE) service provides clinical care to Canberrans in residential aged care facilities to better manage their conditions, preventing a trip to hospital.

About this service

The GRACE Service is a nurse-led outreach program that provides clinical support, education, and coordination between Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) and acute care services. The service aims to deliver extended clinical care at the RACH, supporting acutely unwell residents and helping to avoid unnecessary hospital transfers where appropriate.

GRACE is designed to support General Practitioners (GPs) in delivering an enhanced level of acute care to residents of aged care homes and does not replace the GP’s role as primary care provider.

The GRACE Service operates 7 days per week, 8 am - 8 pm, public holidays included.

Who we care for

We care for people of any age who are residents of a residential aged care facility in the ACT.

How to access this service

All referrals can be made via the GRACE mobile number 0439 216 143. Anyone involved in a resident’s care can refer to or contact GRACE for advice.

What to expect

The GRACE Service can provide assessment, advice, support and management for a wide range of acute clinical conditions and presentations, including but not limited to:

• infections, including chest, urinary tract and skin / cellulitis
• acute wound Care, including treatment of minor lacerations and injuries requiring gluing
• post falls assessment and management
• delirium assessment and management
• dehydration assessment and management
• acute deteriorations of chronic disease including chronic heart failure and chronic respiratory disease
• urinary catheter care / reinsertions
• stoma care
• drain care
• Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube advice and education
• end of life care planning, family meetings, support and advice in collaboration with the GP
• pre-emptive management of patients who may be regularly transferred to hospital for a non-acute reason

Residents are seen face to face either at the RACH or in the hospital setting.

GRACE do not visit people:

• Living in their own home, independent living units
• Living in RACHs outside the ACT
• Residents with non-acute illness or non-medical issues

The GRACE service does not provide ongoing case management of residents. The residents are only reviewed in the acute phase of illness but can be re-referred to GRACE at any time

What to bring

• Medicare Card or ACT Services Card
• Any letters or correspondence from your GP
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports

Where we're located

We will usually see you at your residential aged care facility. We are based at North Canberra Hospital (formerly Calvary Public Hospital Bruce).

We have directions to North Canberra Hospital.