Dementia Australia Nightingale Program in General Practice
The PHN and Dementia Australia invite General Practices to participate in a project in partnership with the Dementia Australia Nightingale Program aimed at enhancing Advance Care Directives (ACD) and Advance Care Planning (ACP) support in General Practice for patients living with dementia.
About the Nightingale Program
The program provides in-practice support from Dementia Australia professionals, who will work alongside your Practice Nurse for two sessions to assist patients with dementia and their carers in completing ACDs/ACPs. This ensures patients and families are supported in making informed decisions about future healthcare needs.
The Hunter New England Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) within the NSW Nightingale Program has capacity to participate in the Advance Care Planning opportunity with 12 General Practices in the Hunter New England region between May 2025 - March 2026.
Each practice would identify and invite eight patients who have been diagnosed with dementia to participate in advance care planning sessions with the CNC and designated Practice Nurse. Each patient session will run for 45 minutes with a completed advance care directive or plan being the intended outcome. The CNC will visit each practice twice, seeing four patients per clinic visit. Successful practices will receive a once-off grant of $750 to compensate their Practice Nurse's time and commitment.
Geographical Area Eligible for Opportunity
General Practices located within the following regions:
- Upper Hunter
- Lake Macquarie
- Maitland
- Newcastle
- Port Stephens
- Manning / Great Lakes
Dates
The CNC will visit each practice twice within a 3-month period (referred to as rounds), with practices choosing two dates within the relevant round based on the following CNC availability.
| Round 1 (2025) | Round 2 (2025) | Round 3 (2025) | Round 4 (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 8, 9 | July 8, 10, 11 | October 7, 9, 10 | January 13, 15, 16 |
| June 10, 12, 13 | August 5, 7, 8 | November 11, 13, 14 | February 10, 12, 13 |
| September 9, 11, 12 | December 8, 11, 12 | March 3, 5, 6 |
Practice Requirements and Commitment
We are seeking General Practices to register interest to participate in this program.
Participating practices will:
- Be located within the eligible region
- Identify and invite eligible patients with dementia willing to participate over two clinic dates
- Host two clinics within a round dedicated to ACD/ACP sessions with the Practice Nurse
- Attend a Lunch and Learn webinar before program commencement or watch the recording.
- Complete a pre and post evaluation
- Identify and implement one quality improvement activity, which can be used to meet the requirements for the PIP QI Quarterly Payment, if eligible.
Program Support and Incentive
Participating practices will receive a once-off grant of $750 in recognition of their time and commitment.
Dementia Australia will provide on-site support during scheduled clinic visits including upskilling for practice staff through experiential learning.
Resources and guidance will be provided to integrate ACD/ACP into routine dementia care.
Program Goals and Expected Outcomes
Increase awareness and skills in completing ACD and ACP within General Practice, ensuring clinicians and care teams feel confident in supporting patients through these critical conversations.
Improve patient outcomes by empowering patients living with dementia and their families to make informed decisions about their future care, reducing uncertainty and enhancing patient-centred planning.
Support coordinated end-of-life care, ensuring patients with dementia receive compassionate, well-structured care that aligns with their wishes, while strengthening collaboration between General Practice and care teams.
Interested practices should complete the following EOI form.
Additional information will be provided to practices participating in the program.