Canberrans requiring outpatient services will soon be able to access their appointment from home using a simple-to-use Telehealth Service video call. This service will be rolled out initially to Canberra Health Services (CHS) outpatients, with Calvary Public Hospital Bruce appointments to follow.
Hundreds of CHS outpatient appointments have taken place by telephone in recent weeks in line with social distancing measures. The Telehealth video technology takes this service a step further.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said telehealth allows patients to stay home, protecting themselves from potential exposure to COVID-19.
“This service will also assist patients who may be self-isolating, in quarantine and those who are in high risk groups, such as elderly and immune suppressed people, to continue to get the health care they need.
“Telehealth will complement the existing face-to-face appointments, not replace them. Of course, there is a continued need for some patients to be assessed and treated in-person.
“This is an important and necessary step to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community and to help hospitals and clinics to keep their staff safe,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Canberra Health Services CEO Bernadette McDonald said that staff and community feedback on the switch to telehealth appointments had been positive.
“Our number one priority is being able to continue to provide exceptional health care to our community. We can only do that by keeping our staff safe so that they can carry out their important work,” Ms McDonald said.
“Minimising unnecessary visits to our health services is an important part of that. By switching outpatient appointments online, we’re ensuring we can continue to offer exceptional healthcare while protecting staff and patients.”
ACT Health Chief Information Officer Peter O’Halloran said the Telehealth platform was very easy to use and did not require a special app.
“Patients join their appointment through an internet browser and are placed in a virtual waiting room before the clinician connects with them via video call,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“Health professionals can share documents including scans and x-rays during the consultation.
“The technology is already widely used throughout the country; it is run through HealthDirect Australia and meets security requirements under Australian privacy law.”
Mr O’Halloran said the platform was secure and patient video calls would not be recorded.
Patients would be given the option to move to either a telephone, video or face-to-face appointment given not everyone will have access to the internet and an on-line camera.
“People don’t need to worry, if they don’t think the video telehealth option is for them, then the staff will work to find the best alternative such as a phone call, or where necessary, a physical appointment,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Clinicians from Canberra Health Services will begin to use Telehealth from Monday 27 April 2020.
