Who can refer to DVA Community Nursing?

Short answer: authorised referrers are general practitioners, treating hospital doctors, hospital discharge planners, and community nurse practitioners. The referral is sent directly to the contracted provider the referrer or veteran chooses.

The authorised referrers

• General practitioners (GPs) — the most common route; the GP knows the veteran's history and ongoing needs.
• Treating hospital doctors — typically at or before discharge, when nursing needs to continue at home.
• Hospital discharge planners — coordinating safe discharge with community nursing in place.
• Community nurse practitioners — where an NP is involved in the person's care.

What about palliative, hospital-in-the-home and other teams?

Palliative-care teams, hospital-in-the-home services and other clinicians frequently identify the need for community nursing. Where they are not themselves the authorised referrer, they generally initiate the referral through the veteran's GP, a treating hospital doctor, or a nurse practitioner. If you're unsure whether you can refer directly, contact Carehaven's clinical intake and we'll help you route it correctly.

Key point: whoever refers, the referral goes directly to the provider chosen by the referrer or client — DVA generally does not allocate clients. You can nominate Carehaven.

What the referrer needs to provide

Regardless of role, an actionable referral includes the veteran's details and DVA file number, the clinical reason and relevant background, the specific nursing needs, relevant risks, and the referrer's details. See the one-page referral checklist.

After you refer

Carehaven confirms receipt the same business day, checks eligibility and service fit, contacts the veteran to arrange an RN assessment, and commences care under the DVA standard Schedule of Fees once referral and eligibility are in place. We keep the referrer informed.

Service area: Melbourne's outer north through Mitchell and the Macedon Ranges to Greater Bendigo.

Frequently asked

Can a family member or the veteran self-refer?

A veteran or family member can approach a provider, but a valid clinical referral from an authorised referrer is part of establishing community nursing. If a family contacts Carehaven, we help them work with the GP to put the referral in place.

Can a practice nurse or allied-health clinician refer?

They often identify the need, but the referral is generally made by a GP, treating hospital doctor, discharge planner or nurse practitioner. We can help you route it.

Does the referrer choose the provider?

Yes — the referral goes to the provider nominated by the referrer or veteran. Nominate Carehaven to refer to us.

Ready to refer?

Same-business-day confirmation, eligibility check and RN assessment handled for you.

Refer a veteran →

Or call our intake team on 1300 310 605

How to refer a veteran for DVA Community Nursing → What DVA Community Nursing can cover at home → Download the one-page referral checklist →

General information for health professionals, not clinical, legal or funding advice. Confirm current requirements with DVA. Sources: DVA Community Nursing provider & referral information (dva.gov.au).