More people in the East will be able to attend specialist doctor appointments in the comfort of their home or local health service thanks to a new telehealth project at Eastern Health.
Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane today announced that Eastern Healthwas among 15 successful applicants to share in $5 million from the Andrews Labor Government’s 2016 Victorian Telehealth Specialist Clinic initiative.
The projects funded are designed to better connect patients to their medical specialists via the internet by setting up new or expanding existing telehealth services.
Eastern Health will receive $194,210 for Telemedicine @ Eastern: Specialist Clinics (Phase 1)
The project will enable Eastern Health to work on developing a scalable Telehealth model for Gastroenterology Hepatitis C clinics; as well as, establishing a cooperative clinic model of Telehealth consultations for obstetric medicine/Gestational diabetes mellitus clinics.
By using telehealth, top specialists from major metropolitan hospitals can deliver face-to-face telehealth video consultations to rural patients securely online.
That means quicker and better access to medical specialists, as well as savings for patients and their families who do not need to take time off work, travel long distances and pay for accommodation to get the care they need.
With easier access to their specialists, patients will enjoy better health outcomes with improved management andtreatment of their health condition.
Telehealth video consultations are carried out on a secure internet connection, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane
“We believe that all Victorians deserve access to top medical specialists, when they need it – no matter where they live.”
“This project at Eastern Health means patients in the East can quickly access the best medical advice to better manage their health, without spending a fortune on travel and accommodation.”
“Modern telehealth technology that delivers patient consultations securely online is the key to bringingspecialist care in Melbourne closer to home for people here in the East.”