NEW TELEHEALTH SERVICE TO ASSIST PEOPLE LIVING WITH DIABETES

Bellarine Community Health (BCH) is launching a new service that can significantly benefit people living with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

In partnership with Geelong Endocrinology and Diabetes, BCH is establishing specialist clinical consultations through video conferencing.

The aim is to give people access to an endocrinologist without the need to travel.

“Lack of transport and economic circumstances can impact on people’s ability to be able to access these sorts of specialist services,” BCH Diabetes nurse educator Rinsky Webb said.

BCH identified the need to improve a client’s accessibility to specialist clinics. The Bellarine, and in particular the Northern Bellarine, has a high incidence of diabetes.

The national average of people living with diabetes is 5 per cent but in the Portarlington area that figure is 8 percent.

“We believe that by giving people living with diabetes access to these specialist clinics we can improve their outcomes and their quality of life,” Ms Webb said.

The video consultations with Geelong Endocrinology and Diabetes will be conducted from BCH’s Portarlington site with the support of the diabetes nurse educator.

To access the service clients will need a referral from their GP to Geelong Endocrinology and Diabetes.

The referral needs to be forwarded to BCH’s intake team.

The endocrinologists consultation will be bulk billed via Medicare. A small community health client contribution is required for the diabetes nurse educator.

To find out more about eligibility and how to access this service, phone BCH on 5258 0812 or send an email to [email protected].