Australia to introduce virtual emergency care service in Queensland

This is part of the government’s initiative to bolster virtual care and telehealth services 

Australia is set to launch a virtual emergency care service at the Queensland Virtual Hospital for non-life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention.

The new service is part of the government’s initiative to bolster virtual care and telehealth services through a budget investment of approximately $18.2m (A$27m).

“Digital health innovations like this help ensure people living in remote areas of Queensland receive the same level of care as those living in the cities,” Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman, said.

The service, which will be staffed by doctors and nurses, will serve as an alternative to physically attending emergency departments.

Moreover, it can be accessed via different devices including smartphones, tablets, or computers, and will be staffed by doctors and nurses

Patients can go online and answer a few questions about their symptoms, where they will be provided with information on the appropriate care for their condition and specific needs.

This may include seeing a local general practitioner (GP), attending an urgent care clinic, or being linked to the new virtual emergency care service.

In line with this, the Queensland Telestroke service is set to be integrated into the virtual hospital’s services by the end of the year.

“This free service is just one of the many measures we’re implementing to help families with cost-of-living pressures, while also taking the pressure off our busy emergency departments and delivering healthcare services closer to home,” Fentiman added.

A$1 = $0.67