General News
18 January, 2024
Trolley good for aged care
Residents in 10 aged care facilities across the Wimmera now have access to the benefits of telehealth in privacy and comfort, thanks to the rollout of new telehealth trolleys by West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS).
Residents in 10 aged care facilities across the Wimmera now have access to the benefits of telehealth in privacy and comfort, thanks to the rollout of new telehealth trolleys by West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS).
Funded by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network, the trolleys are wheeled around the aged care facilities, providing residents with high-quality telehealth consultations with specialists such as psychologists, cardiologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, urologists, palliative care supports and dementia support in Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong and Adelaide.
The equipment has been specifically chosen for its enhanced sound, video and experience for users on both ends of the video calls.
Each trolley is fully adjustable to suit the resident’s position, whether they are sitting, standing or reclined.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer quality access to specialists without the stress, burden, costs and discomforts of travelling long distances - for sometimes 15-minute consultations - which put strain on non-urgent patient transport services, friends and families,” WWHS chief executive officer Ritchie Dodds said.
“We’ve found that even residents who usually prefer face-to-face consults have agreed that the benefits of not having to travel far outweigh their desire for face-to-face appointments.
“Residents have also reported how great it is to have telehealth consults in the comfort and privacy of their own room.
“We hope that as residents and their families become more comfortable using the equipment they will feel more empowered to embrace the opportunity of having more choice in doctors, specialists and care providers.”