Demand is growing for a free telehealth medical service offered across Gippsland, supporting people who need to see a doctor after-hours when their usual GP is unavailable.
Gippsland Primary Health Network commissioned HealthAccess 12 months ago to provide an after-hours service free to people who live in a Gippsland postcode and since then, it has delivered 389 consultations with positive feedback from patients.
Gippsland PHN Chief Executive Officer, Amanda Proposch, said the service was a “good news” story for the region, providing the Gippsland community with another option when they needed medical advice outside normal working hours.
“We know people don’t always get sick or need medical advice during the day when their usual general practice is open,” Ms Proposch said. “This service is helping fill that gap.”
HealthAccess is a designed solution to support community, general practices, local hospitals, Residential Aged Care Homes and ambulance services to manage increasing volumes of GP-Type Presentations in the after-hours period.
It supports people who need low acuity care, when it’s not an emergency and their usual GP is closed. This may include things from colds, flu and fever to allergic reactions, headaches, sporting injuries and COVID-19.
The patient’s regular GP is sent a summary of the consultation to ensure continuity of care.
