A new virtual care service has been launched for North Sydney aged care residents.
North Sydney Health Network recently provided A$1.1 million ($700,000) funding to set up RACF Virtual Care, powered by Health Teams, the platform provider. Digital health for aged care and at home.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
According to a press release, the virtual care service features video consultations with primary care providers and clinicians as well as remote vital signs monitoring. Funding for this service also supports training staff and providers on virtual care delivery.
To date, 60 aged care facilities have signed up for services out of 103 across the region.
WHY IT IMPORTANT
SNHN Virtual Care is assisting the RACF in providing non-urgent, routine, and scheduled care to residents. It helps to reduce travel time as doctors can now conduct consultations online. Its remote health monitoring feature also improves the management of patients’ chronic diseases, increasing the possibility of early intervention and preventing hospitalization.
Furthermore, the virtual service empowers families to be more involved in the health and well-being of their loved ones.
BIGGER BACKGROUND
The launch of RACF Virtual Care in North Sydney follows the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Aged Care Quality and Safety to modernize the aged care sector, which has been found to be deeply similar and lags behind other areas in the use of technology. Last year, the Australian government spent about $200 million over four years to improve information and communication technology systems in aged care.
In other related news, Western Sydney recently expand access to inTouch urgent care for aged care residents. This allows them to access health assessments via video conferencing.
ON PROFILE
“Australian Government Funding [for] This technology through SNHN will enable RACF residents to gain better access to primary health care and help family members experience a greater degree of inclusion in terms of health and wellness. happiness of their loved ones. We hope this service will change people’s experience of the primary health care system,” commented SNHN CEO Lynelle Hales.
