NWMPHN to provide telehealth, after-hours support to RACFs

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) will soon invite residential aged care facilities in its catchment to apply for grants of up to $20,000 (ex. GST) to upgrade their virtual consultation facilities and technology.

The initiative is a response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, published in March 2021, which seeks to improve access to aged care services for older Australians.

The grants, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, will enable residents to access clinically appropriate primary healthcare professionals through telehealth.

Researchers have recently expressed concern over long wait times prohibiting access to aged care services, such as mental health support, which could be having an impact on national suicide rates.

A survey conducted by Australian Seniors found that 70% of older Australians thought the greatest advantage of seeing a doctor online was avoiding exposure to illnesses from other patients.

65% were happy about the convenience and safety of remaining at home for telehealth consultations.

NWMPHN will also soon announce supports for RACFs to develop and implement after-hours action plans. The initiative will help residents access appropriate medical services and encourage engagement, including by telehealth, between RACFs, residents’ general practitioners and other relevant health professionals.

Eligibility

Image caption: NWMPHN catchment area. Image: NWMPHN

More information is expected next month.

Top image credit: iStock.com/Vladimir Vladimirov