Telehealth allows Kimberley mums-to-be to attend maternity classes
Childbirth and parenting classes delivered by telehealth are empowering Kimberley women, providing them with knowledge and the chance to discuss parenting queries without leaving their communities.
This week is Telehealth Awareness Week (25 – 31 October 2019), shining the spotlight on how digital technology is helping country people access specialist and multi-disciplinary care closer to home. The WA Country Health Service has been using telehealth technology to deliver childbirth and parenting classes right across Western Australia from the Wheatbelt Group Midwifery Practice.
The next four-part series of classes is scheduled to commence Friday 1 November and is open to anyone, anywhere in the state who is expecting a baby and interested in learning more - mums, dads, partners and any support people are welcome.
Derby resident, Amy Radzevicius recently participated in the classes from home and found it reassuring to hear from other mums from across Western Australia, their experiences and what they are going through.
“Sometimes with WA being so big you forget that there are others going through the same thing as you and you aren’t alone.
“The knowledge I walked away with helped comfort my brain from going into overdrive, Ms Radzevicius said.
“Life as an expectant mum in the Kimberley is very different to one in Perth. There are a number of things we miss out on as the population is much lower and things are not available on a daily basis.
“I would definitely recommend these classes to any expecting parent; I think these classes are well worth the time and very easy to attend,” she added.
WA Country Health Service Executive Director of Innovation and Development Robyn Sermon said telehealth benefits tens of thousands of patients across country WA every year and is making a real difference to regional people.
“Telehealth enables access to a wide range of health services that are readily available in the city, to people living in rural and remote WA,” Ms Sermon said.
“WA Country Health Service is a global leader in the provision of digitally enabled health services and the use of telehealth continues to benefit regional residents by reducing the need for travel, saving valuable time away from family and giving access to some of the best specialists in the state.”
In Western Australia, telehealth technology delivers a range of services including specialist emergency support to staff in country hospitals treating acute emergency patients, including those presenting with mental health concerns; inpatient consults through a virtual ward round; outpatient consults with specialists, as well as training and education for health staff and consumers.
People can check with their health professional to see if a telehealth appointment is appropriate for them. To find out more about telehealth visit the Healthy WA website.
The next four-part series of childbirth and parenting classes via telehealth start on Friday 1 November. Participants can attend from home or their nearest health service. To book or find out more, email sihi.childbirtheducation@health.wa.gov.au.