Making a referral is straightforward
DVA Community Nursing Services require the Community Nursing Referral (Form D9389). Here is who can complete it, what it needs to say, and what happens after it is submitted.
Three steps, start to finish
Most referrals move from GP appointment to first visit without anyone chasing paperwork. Where something stalls, we chase it.
- 1
A health professional completes the referral
The Community Nursing Referral (Form D9389) must be completed by a GP, a treating medical practitioner in hospital, a hospital discharge planner, or a nurse practitioner specialising in community nursing.
- 2
The referral tells us what’s needed and where
Two details matter most: the location where the support will be provided, and a clear description of the support needed. The more specific the clinical picture, the faster we can match the right nurse.
- 3
We make contact and get started
We confirm eligibility with DVA, call to arrange a first visit at a time that suits, and agree a care plan with you and your family.
The referral must come from a health professional
Form D9389 cannot be self-completed. It must be signed off by one of the following.
General Practitioner (GP)
The most common route. Your regular GP can complete the referral during a standard consultation.
Treating medical practitioner in a hospital
Useful when community nursing needs to be arranged while the client is still an inpatient.
Hospital discharge planner
Ideal for arranging continuity of care in the days immediately after discharge.
Nurse practitioner
Where they specialise in the community nursing field.
Two details make all the difference
Everything else on the form is administrative. These two determine how quickly care can start.
Location of where the support will be provided
The address the nursing care will be delivered to — usually the client’s home, but it may be a retirement village, respite facility or family member’s residence.
Description of support needed
The clinical picture: what care is required, how often, and anything that affects how it is delivered. The more specific this is, the faster we can match the right nurse.
D9389 — Community Nursing Referral
The official Department of Veterans’ Affairs referral form. Open it, complete it with your referring health professional, and submit it per the instructions on the form. Send us a copy at the same time and we will start preparing.
The things people ask us first
Do I need a referral before you can visit?
Yes. DVA Community Nursing Services require the Community Nursing Referral (Form D9389) to be completed by a GP, a treating medical practitioner in a hospital, a hospital discharge planner, or a nurse practitioner specialising in community nursing. We are happy to talk things through with you before that happens.
What does it cost me?
For eligible DVA clients, community nursing is arranged and funded through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. There is no charge to you for approved services under your Veteran Card.
Which card do I need?
Our services are available to eligible DVA clients holding a Veteran Card — All Conditions (Gold Card) or a Veteran Card — Specific Conditions (White Card). For a White Card, the need must relate to an accepted condition.
Can family be involved in the care plan?
Absolutely — and we encourage it. Families and carers know things a chart never will, and we will keep them informed at whatever level the client is comfortable with.
How quickly can care start?
Once we have a completed referral and DVA approval, we will contact you to arrange a first visit. Hospital discharges are prioritised so there is no gap in care.
Have a referral in hand?
Send it through and we will confirm receipt, check eligibility with DVA and arrange a first visit.