Mobile Assessment & Treatment Service (MATS)
Patient information
What we do
MATS can assess, investigate and manage a wide range of health conditions, such as:
- Investigation & treatment of infections (for example, chest, urinary tract, wound or skin infections)
- An acute episode of a chronic disease (for example, exacerbation of heart failure or lung disease; unstable diabetes)
- Dehydration
- Pain management
- Palliative care, end of life care, advance care plan discussions
- Falls
- Trial of Void
- Complex wound management
- Closure of minor lacerations
- Delirium and Dementia with behavioural & psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)
- MATS Catheter program
- Routine & emergency catheter changes (predominantly of male and suprapubic catheters), and support to RACH staff
- MATS Iron infusion program
- Intravenous iron infusions in the community for eligible patients
- MATS PEG program
- A dietitian and nurse‑led service that provides routine community reviews for patients in RACH’s (or at home with high‑level care needs) who receive enteral nutrition via PEG or JEJ tubes. The service can also provide both planned and unplanned tube changes, where appropriate
We are a team of Geriatricians, doctors, nurses, a nurse practitioner candidate, pharmacist, and an administration officer. We also have dieticians as part of our MATS PEG program.
We deliver flexible, patient centred support through a variety of care methods, including:
- Face to face assessments at the RACF
- Telehealth consultations for timely, convenient access
- Phone‑based support to provide guidance, updates, and ongoing care coordination
The MATS service is not intended to substitute for the care that the resident’s GP or aged care service is responsible for delivering.
Who we care for
Residents living in RACH’s in Port Philip, Stonnington, Glen Eira and Bayside local government areas.
For people living in their own home, see the Aged Care Information Hub page for more information.
What to expect
There is no charge for the service.
Commonly asked questions
We aim to provide your care in the community, but should your condition change, the MATS doctor may advise you to have some of your care in hospital.
Yes, we keep in close contact with your GP throughout our involvement, and involve the GP in making decisions about your care. Your GP will decide when to visit you.
MATS doctors and nurses will visit you as often as needed, based on your condition and treatment requirements.
How to access this service
Referral from your GP
Your doctor can call us to organise for you to access this service.
Referral to this service
Referrals from the community can be made by calling our 24-hr phone number 1800 007 656.
To ensure the appropriate clinical information is obtained, we request referrals come directly from one of the following:
- The patient’s GP
- RACH nurse
- Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedic
- Virtual Victorian Emergency Department (VVED) clinician
We do not accept referrals sent solely via fax or email, as these channels are not monitored regularly.