Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Alicia Mansbridge. Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Services.
A Proserpine nurse has received the Sustainable Organisation Award at the 2026 Let’s Celebrate Staff Awards for her innovative approach to improving care for older patients.
During her time at Proserpine Hospital, clinical nurse and rural generalist Alicia Mansbridge has helped bridge the gap between hospital and community care for frail older patients, developing a practical model that has drawn interest for adoption from other rural health services.
This crowning achievement is known as BRIDGE, a nurse-led program standing for Building Recovery, Independence and Discharge Guidance for the Elderly.
BRIDGE supports patients after they’ve left hospital, connecting them with specialist and community care while helping to prevent avoidable re-admissions. Through an organised triage and referral process, eligible patients can access geriatric expertisewithout making another trip to hospital.
Another key element of BRIDGE is telehealth, with Alicia introducing rapid geriatric assessments and consultations with Geriatric Care Australia nurse practitioners that patients can access from home. Their GP then receives written recommendations to help guide the next stage of care, ensuring fluidity between all services.
“For frail older patients, this can mean less travel, fewer mobility challenges and shorter waits for specialist support,’ shared Mackay Hospital and Health Services.
“It also reduces pressure on health services by limiting the need for vehicles, office space and hospital facilities.”
Behind BRIDGE is a team working to ensure older patients remain supported after leaving hospital, with clinical nurses overseeing referrals, health professionals who meet weekly discuss ways to improve the care they deliver through this program.
“Early results are demonstrating benefits for patients, families and the health system, including more timely access to specialist geriatric assessment, improved care coordination and greater involvement of families in care planning,” said Mackay Hospital and Health Services.
“Patients can receive support in their own homes, helping them feel more informed, connected and confident as they recover and maintain their independence.”
For rural communities, where distance can make accessing care difficult, BRIDGE offers older patients a more comfortable way to receive timely specialist advice from home.
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