Virtual ED taking load off hospitals

PRESENTATIONS to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) originating from Greater Bendigo reached 12,150 in February as the free telehealth service celebrated 500,000 consultations since being rolled out.

This compares to 19,650 presentations from Greater Geelong and 7750 from Ballarat in the same month.

The VVED was launched statewide in April 2022 and has provided clinical assessments, medical advice, treatment and referrals to Victorians of all ages.

In the past year, it assisted 83 per cent of patients who would have otherwise gone to hospital avoid an unnecessary trip when they needed urgent care.

It has also helped to alleviate pressure on paramedics, with around 79 per cent of patients referred by them receiving virtual care at home.

The State Government allocated $235 million more in funding to the VVED last year to double its capacity.

The service’s clinical director, Dr Loren Sher, said at least one in 10 Victorians had already accessed the service.

“With our diversion rates, that equates to 400,000 patients kept healthy and happy at home rather than attending emergency departments across Victoria,” she said.

“As we continue to grow, we look forward to expanding our partnerships and providing innovative virtual care to more communities across the state in the years to come.”

Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the service is transforming emergency care.

“Enough (Victorians) to fill five MCGs have turned to the VVED, getting the help they need without leaving the comfort of their homes,” she said.

“This milestone represents a major achievement in virtual care, demonstrating the power and potential of modern technology in the way we care for our community.”