REACH - (Recognise-Engage-Act-Call-Help is on its way)

REACH is a system that helps patients, their family and carer/s escalate their concerns with staff about worrying changes in a patient's condition. It stands for Recognise-Engage-Act-Call-Help is on its way.

If you are worried about a patient in hospital, first talk to your nurse or doctor. If you are still worried, ask to speak to the nurse in charge and request a 'clinical review'. If you are still worried, call your hospital's REACH number. You can find the number on posters or flyers at your hospital.

The CEC has developed three posters about REACH. One for use in all clinical settings and another specifically for use in children's clinical settings. It explains what REACH is, how it works and what the family, carer or patient can do if they are concerned about a change in the patient's condition.

The Aboriginal poster was developed in consultation with consumers and Aboriginal Health workers and is suitable for use in all clinical settings including the Emergency Department. The artwork is called 'Health Custodian' and was created by Jasmine Sarin for the Clinical Excellence Commission. The posters are in the form of a PDF with editable fields that allow you to add your REACH number to the poster, as well as your hospital or LHD name on the bottom right. We recommend the posters be printed as A3 full colour posters, where possible. https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/keep-patients-safe/deteriorating-patient-program/reach/posters