South Australian women facing signs of early pregnancy loss or gynaecological concerns now have a new option to seek urgent care: a virtual assessment service, the first of its kind in Australia.
Launched by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN), this groundbreaking Women’s Assessment Service ensures that women across South Australia, irrespective of their geographic location, can receive an urgent virtual assessment by a seasoned midwife through a video link.
This service proves invaluable for women who encounter symptoms such as bleeding or pain in their early pregnancy or other related concerns. Previously, these women had to wait in an emergency department, a situation that could heighten their distress during an already sensitive period.
The introduction of this virtual care option comes after a successful trial period. Notably, every participant who utilised the trial service voiced their preference for it over hospital presentation, emphasising its effectiveness.
The conditions catered by this service are:
- Symptoms of pregnancy loss in women less than 20 weeks pregnant.
- Pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- Other gynaecological issues.
After an initial consultation with a midwife, if further assessment is deemed necessary, women can virtually consult an Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctor. For cases requiring direct medical intervention, in-hospital consultations are arranged.
‘This innovative Women’s Assessment Service will ensure that women, regardless of their location within South Australia, can access prompt support and care’, says Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing. ‘This service is a great example of how technology can be harnessed to provide compassionate, patient-focused care and keep people out of hospital unnecessarily.’
Drawing parallels with the WCHN Child and Adolescent Virtual Urgent Care Service (CAVUCS) success, which has aided over 30,000 child and adolescent patients, the Malinauskas Labor Government has committed a substantial $30.8 million over a span of four years to render CAVUCS a constant feature.
Those interested in the Women’s Assessment Service can access it from 8 am to 4 pm, seven days a week, via the WCHN website.
Rebecca Graham, Interim Chief Executive Officer of WCHN, remarked on the emotional challenges women face. ‘There is no doubt for a woman who may be experiencing early pregnancy loss, waiting in an emergency department can be a stressful and even heartbreaking experience. Giving women a choice to receive a virtual assessment from their own home might just go some way to minimising some of this stress and anxiety.’
Stephanie Malan, CEO and Founder of The Village Co., emphasised the service’s importance in providing timely care and reassurance, particularly for vulnerable women. ‘In such a scary, sad time for women, knowing that they have quicker access to someone who can offer care, guidance and reassurance is invaluable. This is especially so for women who are experiencing vulnerability and isolation or who have a lack of means to go to the hospital.’
This new service promises to be invaluable in addressing early pregnancy complications among women and can be accessed via the website below.
