Mobile Assessment & Treatment Service

Clinical service overview

MATS is a part of the Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP). Our service comprises a Consultant Geriatrician, an advanced trainee in geriatric medicine, a medical registrar, senior registered nursing staff and an Aged Care Nurse Practitioner.

We accept referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We aim to:

• optimise and support primary care management of older people in the community
• minimise disruption to people's routine
• minimise avoidable hospital presentations or admissions to hospital
• facilitate early discharge from hospital

Services available:

• medical management or advice of acute onset or chronic conditions, such as respiratory disease, cardiac disease or diabetes
• medical assessment and initiation of acute treatment including IV antibiotic therapy and subcutaneous fluid replacement. Common infections treated include urinary tract infection, respiratory infection and cellulitis
• arranging diagnostic services including pathology and radiology
• catheter care advice, emergency changes/replacements and education for management of urinary catheters
• mobile PEG program, including emergency replacement in the community
• wound management
• pain management
• follow up information for those who have presented to the Alfred with liaison between the hospital, Aged Care Home and GP
• assistance with development of goals in ongoing treatment plans for patients