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The NDIS support services rapid hospital discharge program is more than just a fast exit from the hospital.

Working alongside hospitals, families, and support networks, we make sure that every individual we support leaves the hospital in an environment that’s safe, welcoming, and suited to their immediate care needs.

The NDIS support services Rapid Hospital Discharge Program (RHD) is designed to ensure a safe, timely, and well-coordinated transition from hospital to home or an appropriate community-based accommodation for individuals who are medically stable but still require ongoing support. We understand how important it is for people with disabilities to leave the hospital at the right time, with the right supports already in place.

Key features of the NDIS RHD Program

The NDIS RHD program focuses on supporting individuals in leaving the hospital as soon as they are clinically ready, typically within one to three weeks. By coordinating all necessary discharge requirements, we help prevent unnecessary delays and ensure the person is discharged as soon as possible, minimising their hospital stay.

We begin with a thorough assessment that involves the person, their hospital care team, our disability professionals, and those close to them. This ensures we fully understand their medical, functional, and social needs and can create a plan that covers every aspect of their care.

A critical part of the process is ensuring that the person has a safe and suitable place to go. We help secure NDIS-funded short, medium, or long-term accommodation—whether it’s a self-contained apartment or a supported home setting. Importantly, these arrangements are made quickly and do not include aged care or group homes.

We organise a team of skilled support workers to deliver 24/7 care if needed. This includes help with personal care, medication, meals, and daily living activities. Where required, registered nurses are also involved in overseeing the clinical aspects of care during the transition period.

From the beginning, we work closely with hospitals, NDIS support services coordinators, allied health professionals, and accommodation providers to make sure everything is in place. Our collaborative approach is key to a smooth and successful RHDP discharge.

Leaving the hospital is just the beginning. After discharge, we continue to check in regularly and provide ongoing support to monitor wellbeing, respond to any changes in needs, and help the person move toward more permanent accommodation if appropriate.

ndis rhd program - rapid hospital discharge program

Why is Rapid Hospital Discharge Program important?

The Rapid Hospital Discharge Program is a vital part of NDIS support services because it helps people with disabilities avoid staying in the hospital longer than necessary. Once someone is medically stable, being in a hospital environment can become counterproductive, affecting their sense of independence and slowing down their emotional and social recovery. Moving into a community-based setting, with the right support in place, allows for a more person-centred and comfortable healing process.

Hospital bed availability is another important reason. Delays in discharging patients who no longer require acute care can create bottlenecks in the healthcare system, leaving those who need urgent care to wait longer. Rapid discharge programs help free up hospital beds by making sure people can move out promptly and safely.

Perhaps most importantly, rapid discharge supports continuity of care. The transition from hospital to home or supported accommodation can be one of the most vulnerable times for a person with disability. By ensuring this move is carefully planned and supported, we help reduce the risk of readmission, prevent care gaps, and foster a more stable pathway toward recovery and community participation.

How does Rapid Hospital Discharge Program differ from Complex Hospital Discharge?

While Rapid and Complex Hospital Discharge services both help people transition from hospital to community living, they serve different needs and situations. Here's how they compare:


Rapid Hospital Discharge

Complex Hospital Discharge

Purpose

Supports medically stable individuals to leave hospital quickly by securing accommodation and supports.

Assists individuals with complex medical, behavioural, or social needs through a longer, more detailed discharge process.

Timeframe

Typically 1–3 weeks after medical clearance.

May take several weeks or months due to the complexity of care planning.

Support Focus

Nurse-led transition with short-term, high-intensity care and accommodation to bridge the gap between hospital and home.

Multidisciplinary support with long-term planning, behavioural interventions, and sustainable housing.

Accommodation

Medium-term NDIS-funded housing arranged quickly (not group homes or aged care).

Focus on long-term, customised housing solutions to suit complex support needs.

Coordination

Hospital, nursing teams, support coordinators, and families work closely to ensure quick, safe discharge.

Broader coordination including housing services, allied health, NDIS planners, and behavioural support teams.

Typical Participants

Medically stable individuals needing accommodation and care to leave hospital.

Individuals with multiple or complex disabilities needing extensive discharge planning.

Outcome Focus

Safe, timely discharge with ongoing short-term support and monitoring.

Long-term integration, independence, and improved quality of life with sustained supports.

rapid hospital discharge program - NDIS support services

Rapid Hospital Discharge Program is a streamlined, nurse-led approach that helps people with disabilities move from the hospital to a safe and supportive living arrangement quickly and with confidence. Para Ability Community Care focuses on making sure this transition is smooth, respectful, and tailored to the individual’s needs.

While Complex Hospital Discharge addresses higher levels of complexity and longer timelines, Rapid Hospital Discharge focuses on speed, safety, and stability—helping prevent unnecessary hospital stays and laying the groundwork for a strong recovery and better community connections.

Find out more about complex hospital discharge

We know that one of the biggest barriers to discharge is securing the right housing and support promptly. That’s why our team at PACC works quickly to remove those obstacles, helping people move out of the hospital and into the next stage of their lives with the care and dignity they deserve.