A first of its kind urgent virtual care service will allow South Australian women with symptoms of early pregnancy loss or have gynaecological concerns to receive treatment from the comfort of their own home.
The new virtual Women’s Assessment Service run by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network means women, regardless of their location in South Australia, can choose to receive an urgent assessment from an experienced midwife via video link.
Women experiencing symptoms such as pain or bleeding in early pregnancy or other gynaecological concerns, will no longer need to present and wait in an emergency department during such a challenging time.
The new virtual service – the first of its kind in Australia – is opening for a 12-month pilot following a successful trial. One hundred per cent of women who accessed the trial service reported they would use it again, and that they would prefer to use a virtual service rather than presenting to hospital.
The service is available to women who are:
*Less than 20 weeks pregnant and experiencing symptoms of pregnancy loss
*Pregnant and are experiencing nausea and vomiting
*Experiencing gynaecological issues.
Women who access the virtual Assessment Service are seen by an experienced midwife, and then an Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctor if needed (either virtually or in hospital if required).
The new service builds on the success of the WCHN Child and Adolescent Virtual Urgent Care Service (CAVUCS), which has now safely provided advice to more than 30,000 child and adolescent patients. The Malinauskas Labor Government has invested $30.8 million over four years to make CAVUCS a permanent ongoing service.
The new service is available between 8am to 4pm, 7 days per week, and can be accessed on the WCHN website – www.wch.sa.gov/VirtualWAS.
As put by Chris Picton
This innovative Women’s Assessment Service will ensure that women, regardless of their location within South Australia, can access prompt support and care.
Pregnancy loss is a deeply personal experience, and the ability for women to manage this in the comfort and privacy of their own home instead of attending the emergency department, will go a long way in helping navigate such an incredibly difficult time.
The skilled midwives working in this service will also be able to provide comprehensive advice and support to women experiencing any other genealogical concerns.
This service is a great example of how technology can be harnessed to provide compassionate, patient-focused care and keep people out of hospital unnecessarily.
As put by Rebecca Graham, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Women’s and Children’s Health Network
There is no doubt for a woman who may be experiencing early pregnancy loss, waiting in an emergency department, or waiting to see a midwife in a clinic when surrounded by other expectant women, can be a stressful and even heartbreaking experience.
Giving women a choice to receive a virtual assessment from their own home might just go some way to minimising some of this stress and anxiety.
This service is a new option, but of course, women can always choose to present to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital or their closest emergency department if they prefer, just like always.
As put by Stephanie Malan, CEO and Founder of The Village Co.
In such a scary, sad time for women, knowing that they have quicker access to someone who can offer care, guidance and reassurance is invaluable.
This is especially so for women who are experiencing vulnerability and isolation, or who have a lack of means to go to the hospital. A virtual service will provide crucial care and support to many women who may not otherwise be able to access it.
As put by Angel Parish, trial participant and mum of two
I was 12 weeks pregnant with my third child when I was experiencing some cramping and pain in my abdomen, and so I thought it best for me to just check-in with someone. Even though it’s my third pregnancy, I wasn’t sure if it was normal.
Thankfully I didn’t have to wait very long to speak to a midwife, and of course it saved me having to organise care for my girls and go into the Women’s and Children’s Hospital to see someone.
I’m now 28 weeks pregnant, and we’re so looking forward to the arrival of our baby boy.
