West Wimmera Health Service backs the importance of telehealth

The growth of telehealth has allowed people to benefit from easier access to a range of specialists and health professionals.

COVID-19, and the many restrictions that have come with the pandemic, has highlighted the importance of adapting the way we use technology to support people staying connected to their health and wellbeing.

West Wimmera Health Service is joining health services across Australia to spread the word about the many benefits of telehealth for consumers, enabling healthcare to be delivered close to home, with a reduced need for travel and accommodation costs, and less disruptions for families and work.

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West Wimmera Health Service's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Darren Welsh, reaffirmed the need for people to catch up and keep up with their health checks and visits.

"Maintaining healthcare during COVID-19 is crucial, but unfortunately there's been a decline in the number of people accessing regular healthcare and check-ups due to the impact of restrictions," Mr Welsh said.

"Now is the time to catch up with your healthcare, and to make those appointments to speak with your healthcare professionals. The great news is that with telehealth people can readily access a range of health services and support, without the need to travel long distances that were once necessary."

Mr Welsh has been thrilled to see the service's telehealth programs growing in the past 12 months in response to an increasing need and innovative initiatives.

"It is wonderful that we can now provide wider local access to a range of quality specialist medical services for our communities. It is even better that these allow people to save on the costs and time of travelling for such appointments," he said.

Telehealth appointments are offered on secure platforms, and with the support of West Wimmera Health Service's team of staff to assist community members.

"We are proud to offer a range of telehealth services in partnership with organisations such as The Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Wimmera Southern Mallee By Five early years project, and our Grampians region health services," Mr Welsh said.

"Our staff are on hand to assist you to connect to these telehealth services, with many allowing the option to have your appointment either from the comfort of your own home, or at one of our facilities with the support of one of our healthcare professionals at your side."

Earlier this year, West Wimmera Health Service expanded the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) telehealth services on offer, allowing people to have online appointments with a specialist from their local community.

The RFDS offers a range of medical specialities for communities, all of which are 100% bulk billed. This means that clients receive high quality specialist medical care for free in their local community.

The expanded telehealth partnership now allows people in our communities to have free digital appointments with a:

There are also some sub-specialties available, such as geriatric psychiatry.

To access the service people with need a referral from a GP.

Appointments can take place at any West Wimmera Health Service campus, where our trained team members can help to book the appointment and set up the technology in a private room. A member of our healthcare team can attend the appointment with you at your request.

It is also possible for telehealth appointments to be carried out from the comfort of your own home, with the initial help from our reception team to complete some paperwork.

West Wimmera Health Service is proud to be a partner with 'By Five - Wimmera Southern Mallee Early Years Project' to play an active role in improving the health and wellbeing outcomes for children in our local communities by connecting specialist expertise with local health professionals via paediatric telehealth co-consultations.

The services allied health clinicians and maternal and child health nurses work together with GPs, and education and family service providers across the Wimmera Southern Mallee region to ensure families have access to the right healthcare in their communities and can support children with a range of development and behavioural matters.

The early years partnership supports co-consultations with Royal Children's Hospital Paediatricians

Dr. Billy Garvey and Dr. Claire Nogic. Local health, education and social care providers facilitate appointments and help families navigate services for their child, without the need to travel to Melbourne.

To start using any of WWHS Telehealth services, or to find out more about how you can benefit from Telehealth, contact 5391 4267, or in person at a WWHS campus.

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