Emerald Hospital has introduced a new telehealth service, bringing care closer to home for Central Highlands families.
The Paediatric Behaviour Telehealth Service connects families with a specialist paediatrician via video call.
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service General Manager Central Highlands, Marsha Abbott, said the new service would reduce wait times and the need to travel to Rockhampton for face-to-face appointments.
“Behavioural and developmental challenges impact every part of a child’s day-to-day life, as well as those who care for them,” Marsha said.
“By increasing access to paediatricians via Telecare, we can help more families access the support they need sooner.”
The Paediatric Behaviour Telehealth Clinic will be held weekly, with experienced nurses in Emerald attending each appointment to assist families and the specialist.
“Families are able ask questions and discuss their concerns with the paediatrician, just as they would if they were sitting in the same room.
“The local nurses provide face-to-face support and are a wealth of knowledge on how families can access additional services recommended by the doctor.
“I’d like to congratulate the many teams involved in making this new service a great success.”
The introduction of Emerald’s new service was timely, coinciding with Telehealth Awareness Week (14 – 18 October).
In Central Queensland, telehealth appointments continue to reduce the need for patients to travel, with CQ Health recording 20,013 telehealth outpatient service events in 2023-2024 year – a 7% increase compared with 18,636 events in the previous year.
That trend is continuing this financial year, with the 3664 telehealth outpatient services already delivered in July and August exceeding targets for Central Queensland.