Pilbara Virtual Gestational Diabetes Service supports country mums
(L-R: Tara Stevens, Linda Uhr, Sally Kwong, Chris Hogg, Tara Savage, Jessica Weiss, Deb Schofield)
The Pilbara Virtual Gestational Diabetes Service, provided by WA Country Health Service in collaboration with Diabetes WA, has been named a finalist in the WA Health Excellence Awards.
Recognised for Excellence in Rural and Remote Health Care, the service provides mothers living remotely the option of having gestational diabetes appointments from home.
WA Country Health Service Executive Director Pilbara Lisa Smith said it was all part of the organisation’s commitment to deliver care on Country and close to home.
“Our Virtual Gestational Diabetes Service has given Pilbara mums a regular point of contact that can assess their insulin levels and address any questions they may have without the need to travel to Perth,” Ms Smith said.
“We estimate almost one million kilometres of travel has been saved each year for mums using the service.”
Since its implementation, the services has seen an uptick in participation, with more women having early screening tests.
It has also received an outpour of praise from Pilbara mothers, as their weekly virtual appointments with nurse educators are often filled with advice and encouragement.
The WA Health Excellence Award winners will be announced at a gala ball on 7 December 2023.