An expansion of Tasmania’s Telehealth system enables more people to access their health appointments through Computers on Wheels (CoWs).
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An additional 15 CoW units have been rolled out in rural and regional areas throughout the state, including Smithton, West Coast, Deloraine, Beaconsfield, St Mary’s and King Island district hospitals; Flinders Island and Campbell Town multi-purposes centres; Swansea Community Health Centre; George Town Hospital and Community Centre; and Scottsdale North East Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
Camera and microphone units have also been installed in some outpatient clinical consult rooms.
Telehealth appointments enable patients to spend less time travelling, take less time off work or caring responsibilities and pay less in travel and accommodation costs, Health Minister Michael Ferguson said.
“Video conferencing facilities are already available at many Tasmanian Health Service locations statewide, including outpatient clinics,” he said.
“Patients who are required to access health services outside their geographical area can ask their doctors if their condition is clinically appropriate for Telehealth.”