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A new virtual care service has been launched for aged care residents in North Sydney.
The Sydney North Health Network recently awarded a funding package of A$1.1 million ($700,000) to set up the RACF Virtual Care Service, operated by Health Teams, a digital health platform provider for the aged and home care sector.
what is this about
Based on a media release, the virtual care service features video consultations with primary care providers and physicians and remote vital signs monitoring. Funding for this service also supports training of staff and providers on virtual care delivery.
So far, 60 residential aged care facilities out of 103 facilities across the region have signed up for the service.
why it matters
SNHN’s virtual care service is supporting the RACF’s provision of non-urgent, routine and scheduled care for residents. This helps in reducing travel time as doctors can now consult only virtually. Its remote health monitoring feature also improves the management of patients’ chronic conditions, increases the potential for early intervention and prevents hospital admissions.
In addition, virtual service empowers families to be more involved with the health and well-being of their loved ones.
larger context
The launch of the RACF Virtual Care Service in North Sydney follows recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to modernize the aged care sector, which found Deeply consistent in the use of technology and lags far behind other sectors. Last year, the Australian government set aside almost A$200 million over four years to improve ICT systems in aged care.
In other related news, recently Western Sydney Extended access to the InTouch urgent care service for aged care residents. It enables them to access health assessments through video conferencing.
On the record
“Australian Government funding (for) this technology through SNHN will help RACF residents to have better access to primary healthcare and family members to experience a greater level of inclusion in the health and well-being of their loved ones .. We hope this service will transform residents’ experience with the primary health system,” commented Lynell Hales, CEO of SNHN.
