PATIENTS and medical staff at the Penola War Memorial Hospital will have access to additional support with the introduction of real-time video technology to connect with experienced rural GPs.
South Australian Virtual Emergency Service (SAVES), which enables country patients to conduct face-to-face consults with Adelaide-based Rural Doctors Workforce Agency GPs using video conferencing equipment, will be rolled out in Penola.
The purpose-designed telehealth technology features two high-resolution cameras and a screen.
The virtual doctor service allows metropolitan GPs to provide assistance to triage three, four and five category patients who present to the Penola emergency department when the on-call doctor is unavailable.
As a result, local GPs will have the option of being called to treat high acuity patients only in a bid to reduce fatigue by allowing them to rest at night while low acuity patients are treated over the SAVES network.
“We are excited for the technology to be implemented at the hospital and it is fantastic Penola was chosen as one of the sites,” Penola War Memorial Hospital nurse unit manager Corinne Galwey said.
“The purpose of SAVES is its 24/7 availability for critical emergency incidents and it will allow for much needed rest for our staff overnight.
“The video link will provide clinical staff with an enormous sense of security at all times.”
Health Minister Stephen Wade said the system aimed to deliver 24-hour emergency care.
“Accessing medical support remotely allows doctors to take time off between the hours of 11pm and 7am, ensuring patients receive high quality care,” he said.
Millicent and Kingston hospitals have also been identified as one of 13 sites across the state in which the provision of a 24/7 medical service is difficult and will see the further implementation of SAVES.
The system has been operational in 16 other regional locations since December last year.
