By the Queensland Government
Adapted for print by Guy Hazlewood
The Queensland Government has announced a $27 million investment to expand virtual care services through the Queensland Virtual Hospital.
This initiative includes the launch of Queensland’s first Virtual Emergency Care service, offering unprecedented access to immediate medical attention.
One of the significant impacts of this initiative is the anticipated relief on Logan Hospital.
By offering a virtual alternative for non-life-threatening conditions, the Virtual Emergency Care service is expected to reduce the demand on physical emergency departments, allowing hospitals like Logan to focus on more critical cases.
Logan Hospital will benefit from the new virtual hopsital.
Premier Steven Miles emphasised the importance of quality healthcare for all residents.
“Quality healthcare wherever you live matters to Queenslanders, which is why I am so proud to announce this virtual care model,” he said.
“We know our hospitals are under pressure and that it’s harder than ever to secure a GP appointment, so bringing virtual care into Queenslanders’ homes is going to change lives.”
Accessible via smartphone, tablet, computer, or by calling 13 HEALTH, the Virtual Emergency Care service is staffed by doctors and nurses, providing a viable alternative to physically attending an emergency department for conditions requiring immediate but non-life-threatening attention.
These conditions include acute respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions, rashes, bites, pain, infections, burns, fevers in children, gastroenteritis, and vertigo.
Patients can answer a few questions online about their symptoms to receive guidance on appropriate care, which may include visiting a local GP, attending an urgent care clinic, or connecting to the new Virtual Emergency Care service.
This streamlined process ensures efficient navigation of the healthcare system while recognising that virtual care may not always be suitable for everyone.
Additionally, the Queensland Telestroke Service will be integrated into the Queensland Virtual Hospital by the end of the year.
This integration will offer a networked, statewide approach to acute stroke care, providing 24/7 access to advanced stroke imaging, specialist assessments, and treatment advice for clinicians in regional, rural, and remote hospitals.
Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman highlighted the benefits of virtual care observed during the pandemic.
“Digital health innovations like this help ensure people living in remote areas of Queensland receive the same level of care as those living in the cities,” she said.
“This free service is just one of the many measures we’re implementing to help families with cost-of-living pressures, while also taking the pressure off our busy emergency departments and delivering healthcare services closer to home.”
The Virtual Emergency Care service operates daily from 8 am to 10 pm and is managed by the Metro North Hospital and Health Service on behalf of the Queensland Virtual Hospital.
For more information or to access the virtual emergency care service, visit the Virtual Emergency Care Service.
