VMCH receives telehealth grant
The technology will reduce unnecessary hospital transfers.
Aged care provider VMCH has secured funding to introduce telehealth to its aged care residents in Victoria.
The not-for-profit provider has been awarded $192,000-worth of federal government grants to establish the technology in eight of its aged care homes.
VMCH chief operating officer David Williamson said telehealth access was important for aged care residents.
“Telehealth will provide timely and early medical assessment and treatment … reducing unnecessary hospital transfers and the flow-on impact on emergency services.”
The telehealth grants are an initiative stemming from the final report of the aged care royal commission, which highlighted inequities in access to care among aged care residents, especially after hours and for specialist services.
VMCH residents will be able to access telehealth independently. Should they need support, staff are being trained to assist with the technology.
Sash Pokharel – care manager at VMCH Wantirna in Melbourne – said telehealth was a game changer. “It creates a stress-free environment that residents feel comfortable with, and no longer must leave the comfort of their home to be assessed or have a clinical observation. Everything is at your fingertips.”
The success of the telehealth rollout will be reviewed in April 2025.
Ultraviolet trial
Meanwhile, VMCH is involved in another health initiative. The Department of Health, Victoria is leading a clinical trial of germicidal ultraviolet lights. Lights are being installed in 100 aged care homes across the state to see if they can reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses such as influenza and Covid-19.
The lights have been installed in four VMCH aged care homes, with a further five sites acting as a control group. They are expected to be turned on next month, once all participating organisations have had the lighting installed.
“We are thrilled to add another layer of infection control practice at VMCH sites for our residents, their families and our staff, in line with existing best-practice care,” Mr Williamson said. “We look forward to the completion of the trial in around 12 months’ time – and hopefully witnessing a decrease in respiratory infections for our residents now and into the future.”
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