Video links city, country hospitals

Patients in 14 city and Gippsland hospitals will have access to Victoria’s best available treatment via video link under a Government-funded initiative.

Launching Bayside Health’s new video-linked program, Health Minister John Thwaites said it will enable doctors to treat patients and consult other clinicians no matter where either are within the Gippsland and Melbourne sites.

‘Health professionals will be able to see—in full detail, via video link—all test results and other material such as x-rays, regardless of where tests were done in their network.’

Mr Thwaites said the $761,000 Bayside project would produce ongoing benefits well beyond its cost.

‘Bayside e-Health is one of 48 Department of Human Services Productivity Investment Fund projects Statewide sharing $10 million in grants to foster Victorian agencies’ ideas for smarter service delivery.’

Bayside Health’s 11 Gippsland region partner hospitals are Wonthaggi, Warragul, Korumburra, Leongatha, Foster, Yarram, Orbost, Omeo, Bairnsdale, Sale and Latrobe Regional Hospital.

Its three Melbourne partners are The Alfred Hospital, Caulfield General Medical Centre and Sandringham and District Memorial Hospital.

Mr Thwaites said the video-link would not only reduce the cost of transferring patients between these hospitals but also enable patients to continue receiving treatment locally.

‘As well, it will free up emergency medical staff and resources such as ambulances from having to move patients between hospitals, leaving much-needed transport for more urgent cases,’ he said.

‘Through this initiative, doctors and other health professionals will spend less time travelling and more time treating patients.

‘They will also have better consultative access to colleagues, encouraging the development and retention of medical staff in local areas.’