Tasmania’s Virtual Care Program Expands to Cover More Conditions
The Department of Health in Tasmania has announced the expansion of its virtual care program, Care@home. The Acute Virtual Monitoring Program under Care@home will now include additional short-term conditions and illnesses such as urinary tract infections, cellulitis, and gastroenteritis. This expansion will also allow for referrals for discharged patients to ease their transition back home.
The service, previously known as COVID@home and now operating seven days a week, is staffed by a team of healthcare professionals including nurses, pharmacists, social workers, allied health navigators, and general practitioners.
Statewide Clinical Alert System Implemented in Tasmania
The Health Department in Tasmania has successfully implemented a new clinical alert system that enables healthcare professionals to input and update patient alert information in real-time within the digital medical record system. This new system replaces outdated paper-based processes and ensures that healthcare providers have access to updated patient information including medications, existing conditions, and allergies.
The transition to this new alert system, which was launched in late November, was supported by comprehensive training involving over 5,500 health workers across 600 teams. This initiative is part of Tasmania’s digital health transformation project, which aims to develop a state-wide electronic medical record system and improve ambulance patient care records.
Queensland Introduces Telehealth Service for Rural Women
The Queensland government has introduced a new virtual counselling line specifically for women in regional and rural communities. Operated by Women’s Health and Equality Queensland, this telehealth service offers telephone and web chat non-crisis mental health support, grief and loss counselling post pregnancy or neonatal loss, midwifery support and advice, and domestic and sexual violence counselling. Face-to-face video conferencing will be available soon.
The state government has made a significant investment of A$11.35 million ($7 million) over four years in this telehealth service to provide essential support and resources for women in rural areas.
