Country Health on the tech frontline with Health in a Virtual Environment

Patients in WA Country Health Service's (WACHS) Kalgoorlie Health Campus high dependency unit (HDU) are receiving care in an innovative new way.

In partnership with East Metropolitan Health Service, WACHS has delivered HIVE or 'Health in a Virtual Environment', which harnesses the latest in remote monitoring technology and artificial intelligence to detect early signs of clinical deterioration.

Staffed by specialists working closely with local clinicians, the service is run from Royal Perth Hospital and provides 24/7 monitoring of the Goldfields’ most vulnerable patients.

At the touch of a button, HIVE specialists are alerted to any deterioration in patient condition, and a two-way audio-visual function will support on-the-ground doctors and nurses at Kalgoorlie HDU to deliver immediate care.

Early data is showing how HIVE is supporting local clinicians to provide care. In August 2023, 45 patients were admitted to HIVE with 78 video calls held between HIVE and Kalgoorlie clinicians.

WA Country Health Service's Executive Director Goldfields Peter Tredinnick said the collaboration would help improve patient outcomes including accessing the safest and best care possible closer to home, reducing readmissions and shortened lengths of stay.

"We know this will go a long way to supporting the extraordinary doctors, nurses, and clinicians on the frontline in Kalgoorlie," he said.

To mark Telehealth Awareness Week (23-27 October) the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is shining a spotlight on how digital technology is positively impacting country communities.

Check with your health professional to see if a telehealth appointment is right for you. For more information visit the HealthyWA website.