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Sandie's life is easier with telehealth 25 June 2018 Sandie Smith’s life is constantly interrupted with medical issues and specialist appointments, because she lives with cystic fibrosis (CF). Since her diagnosis 12 years ago, the Albany mum has had constant trips to Perth to see medical specialists, but in recent years her life has become easier thanks to the availability of telehealth. The week has been organised by the WA Country Health Service and its service partners to highlight that healthcare appointments delivered by telehealth are now widely available to country patients, without the stress and cost of travel. In years gone by, Sandie would regularly have to take several days off work and spend days organising paperwork in order to see her specialist team in Perth – but now she uses her lunch break to pop into Albany Health Campus where she holds a videoconference with the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service at Sir Charles ... -
Telehealth allows Fred to do rehab from the mines 25 June 2018 Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease five years ago, Fred Sellars has only recently been able to take part in regular rehabilitation and support classes. His location on a minesite 30km from Laverton meant driving the nine-hour round trip to Kalgoorlie each week was just too taxing on him and his wife, Wendy. That was before Kalgoorlie Health Campus started offering therapy by telehealth. A short time ago his GP in Kalgoorlie let him know a weekly Parkinson’s support group was starting up at the hospital. Allied Health staff at the hospital then told him he would be able to attend the group as well as regular physio, speech and occupational therapy sessions by telehealth. Healthcare delivered closer to home is under the spotlight this week as part of Telehealth Awareness Week, 25–29 June. The week has been organised by the WA Country Health Service and its s... -
Telehealth saves George four-day trip for 5-minute appointment 25 June 2018 Lung cancer patient George Trott says telehealth takes the stress out of medical appointments and makes a “big difference” to his life in Halls Creek. Instead of a four-day round trip to Perth for what can be a short follow-up appointment, the 67-year-old can now visit Halls Creek Health Service and talk to his specialist by videoconference. “I don’t like going to Perth for appointments because it feels like a five-minute consultation then you’re out the door,” George said. “For me the journey seems like a big waste of time and the costs of the trip add up.” For George, that trip to Perth involves a 400km drive from Halls Creek to Kununurra to catch the plane 3.5 hours to Perth. He arrives at night and gets a taxi to the Cancer Council Lodge to sleep before attending his appointment the following day. He then needs another night’s sta... -
Telehealth services to increase at Karratha Health Campus 25 June 2018 Meeting the challenges of distance and diversity is the WA Country Health Service’s core business when providing patient care across WA. Technology can help bridge the distance and ensure we provide the best care possible to our country patients. Regional Telehealth Manager Nardia Neale said she expected more local people would have the opportunity for outpatient appointments with their specialists closer to home using telehealth technology once the new health campus opened. Telehealth uses high definition video equipment to link patients in regional WA with health specialists in Perth or larger regional centres for face-to-face appointments. In most cases, appointments via telehealth are just like in-person appointments, but save the patient time, money and the inconvenience of having to travel for a short appointment. “Anyone can ask their specialist if they are able to hav... -
New maternity ward open at Narrogin Health Service 21 June 2018 Narrogin Health Service’s new maternity ward is now open and offering local mums-to-be access to a professional, friendly team of midwives and doctors in modern, spacious facilities. The WA Country Health Service’s Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery Jeffrey Williams said the new facilities were impressive and would provide families with a comfortable hospital stay. “Qualified, highly dedicated midwives and nurses help new mums to gain the skills and knowledge needed to confidently care for their new babies,” Jeffrey said. “The rooms in the maternity ward allow mums to keep their babies with them so they can become familiar with their feeding cues and other needs. “We also give fathers the chance to stay overnight with their partner and new baby.” Features of the maternity ward include two dedicated birthing rooms with ensuites, rooms with...
Last Updated:
14/07/2021