International Rural Women’s Day – Goldfields Telehealth Coordinator driving innovation to support country communities
Sunday 15 October is International Rural Women’s Day – an opportunity to celebrate the immeasurable contributions made by women to country communities.
For WA Country Health Service Goldfields Regional Telehealth Coordinator Sally Gourgaud, ensuring rural and remote communities have access to specialist healthcare is front of mind.
Based at Kalgoorlie Health Campus (KHC), Sally is at the forefront of connecting patients to specialists and clinicians via state-of-the-art virtual healthcare technology without needing to leave the region – sometimes without needing to leave the comfort of their own home.
Sally’s personal experiences with telehealth have only increased her motivation to ensure residents can access the same quality care that her family received.
“When my son was unwell. He had over six months of treatment at the hospital, with a range of appointments being delivered via telehealth,” Sally said.
“The use of telehealth allowed us to stay in town and really limit the amount of travel needed for his care. I really cannot praise KHC and telehealth enough for the ease and comfort it can provide to anyone needing the service.”
Sally said she is passionate about supporting rural and remote patients and seeing how emerging technologies can be utilised to.
“It’s interesting seeing how technology evolves in health. I’m glad to be part of this exciting space.
“I enjoy coming to work, interacting with Telehealth staff – virtually, and meeting all the patients we help daily with their telehealth appointments,” Sally said.
Sally said she recognises that for some, technology can be complex, and that part of her role involves demystifying new technologies.
"I try to keep my patient hat on. Improving their access is at the forefront of what I do.”
Thank you, Sally, for all you do for your community and to all the women whose tireless efforts in support of country communities does not go unnoticed.