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NSW Ambulance has initiated a substantial recruitment campaign aimed at bolstering the capabilities of the state’s Virtual Clinical Care Centre (VCCC). The region’s Health Minister highlighted the VCCC’s role in enhancing the efficiency of NSW Ambulance’s response to Triple Zero (000) emergency calls. Operating round the clock, seven days a week, the VCCC boasts a team of clinical experts who offer vital secondary triage and medical support.
A significant portion of Triple Zero (000) calls does not necessitate a paramedic response, and this is where the highly skilled VCCC clinical staff comes into play. The VCCC was originally established during the pandemic when call volumes to Triple Zero (000) reached unprecedented levels. During the devastating 2022 floods, the VCCC clinicians played a critical role by delivering ongoing clinical care to individuals isolated by floodwaters while they awaited rescue.
Expanding the VCCC’s capacity is expected to ensure that patients all across NSW receive the care they require, irrespective of their location, while also relieving pressure on ambulance services and hospital emergency departments. Notably, the VCCC managed to save more than 12,000 patients from emergency department visits in the previous year, thus reducing the burden on the hospital system.
The NSW Ambulance Commissioner pointed out that the VCCC has been instrumental in handling tens of thousands of Triple Zero (000) calls since its inception two years ago. Initially operating with a limited number of specialist clinicians for 16 hours a day, it has now evolved into a 24/7 operation. The VCCC is poised to expand significantly, with plans to hire over 100 additional staff members over the next three years.
The VCCC has successfully diverted low acuity cases away from crowded hospital emergency departments and offers call-back services to some Triple Zero (000) callers to assess their clinical needs and determine if an upgraded response is necessary. As part of this expansion, NSW Ambulance is actively recruiting experienced registered nurses, registered paramedic triage clinicians, clinical nurse consultants, and specialist physicians to join this rapidly growing multidisciplinary team.
NSW Ambulance’s Virtual Clinical Care Centre (VCCC) represents a cutting-edge advancement in healthcare delivery. Operating 24/7, this state-of-the-art facility harnesses digital innovation and telemedicine to efficiently respond to Triple Zero (000) calls.
The VCCC’s team of clinical experts, including registered nurses, paramedic triage clinicians, and specialist physicians, uses telehealth and remote monitoring capabilities to provide virtual clinical care and secondary triage. This approach not only ensures that patients across New South Wales receive prompt and appropriate care but also plays a pivotal role in reducing the strain on ambulance services and hospital emergency departments. It exemplifies the transformative potential of technology in enhancing healthcare accessibility and effectiveness.
Earlier OpenGov Asia reported that in Victoria, a local medical advancement is on the horizon, promising enhanced care for critically ill infants and children. The groundbreaking innovation stems from the efforts of a Victoria-based startup with vital backing from the government.
A substantial investment of AU$700,000 from the Breakthrough Victoria initiative has been allocated to the start-up to expedite the development of their Neonav ECG Tip Location System (the System). This crucial funding will also aid in securing the necessary regulatory approvals for the system’s market entry. The endeavour is projected to create a surge in employment opportunities, potentially raising the workforce count at the Melbourne-based company to as high as 30.
The System addresses a critical challenge in neonatal and paediatric care: ensuring the accurate insertion of central venous catheters into the veins of critically ill young patients. These catheters are pivotal for delivering vital treatments such as heart rate monitoring and blood transfusions.
