The Coast’s Labor MPs have welcomed the announcement that the innovative virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service is to be expanded across the state.
The virtualKIDS service utilises modern technologies such as video conferencing and telehealth in order to connect families with clinical nurses.
This is to ensure that children are connected to the best care depending on the child’s needs, whether this be a trip to the emergency department, a consultation with a paediatrician or a visit to the local GP.
The program is designed to keep children out of emergency departments and in the safety of their homes, while providing the best care pathway available.
Throughout the pilot program, which began in August 2021, two out of three children were able to receive the care needed without the need to visit an emergency department.
The service will reduce pressure on the overstretched hospital system and health care staff, reducing reliance on emergency departments.
The service is currently accessible in three local health districts with specialist paediatric hospitals, but will be expanded to all of NSW before the end of the year.
It will be especially welcome on the Central Coast, with Bureau of Health Information (BHI) revealing the region is the second worse Local Health District in NSW for emergency treatment wait times.
Member for Wyong and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said urgent care of children across the Central Coast was a high priority for the Minns Government.
“We know that our local emergency departments are stretched to the limit and this is affecting the health of our community and the heavy workload of our nurses and health workers,” he said.
“VirtualKIDS will provide families with the care they need and ease the pressure our local emergency rooms.”
Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said children would be comforted by being able to stay in their own homes while receiving the care they need.
“This is a great step towards repairing our health system,” she said.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan also applauded the move.
“This is a great way to ensure that Central Coast families have access to the right clinical pathway for their needs while helping to relieve pressure on our hospital’s emergency departments,” he said.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the news would be welcomed by families in the region.
“Families across the Central Coast in need of urgent medical care are not able to access the support they need, when they need it,” she said.
“Our hospital systems are in desperate need of support and this program will greatly reduce the burden on our health care staff.
“Any pressure that we can take off our local families in their most vulnerable times is critical.”
Source:
NSW Government