SA Government rolls out virtual health program for aged care
The SA Department of Health has expanded its Virtual Health Service across the state, with the aim of reducing visits to emergency departments by aged care residents. 10,000 aged care residents in SA will now be able to access the service, which...
The SA Department of Health has expanded its Virtual Health Service across the state, with the aim of reducing visits to emergency departments by aged care residents.
10,000 aged care residents in SA will now be able to access the service, which will connect them to doctors, nurses and paramedics with an average wait time of around 30 minutes.
According to state Health Minister Chris Picton (pictured, right), this will help patients get quicker treatment at home and free up emergency beds.
“The expansion follows a successful trial, undertaken at 11 Eldercare aged care homes, which found about 80 per cent of patients treated by the service could receive care within the home, avoiding the need to go to hospital for treatment and an unnecessary triple-zero call.
“It is estimated that every aged care resident who avoids a trip to the Emergency Department frees up at least six hours at the ED and two hours for the South Australian Ambulance Service, reducing pressure on the system,” he said.
