A new virtual emergency department for diabetics will have a major impact on the way diabetes emergencies are managed in Victoria, especially in regional areas.
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department Diabetes Service (VVEDDS) provides free video consultations to people with diabetes suffering urgent non-life-threatening complications.
Launched in mid-July, the service is being delivered by diabetes nurse practitioners and emergency clinicians, and provides a lifeline to those living in regional and remote areas, where access to urgent care is often limited.
State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has welcomed the service and said it would help keep people in their homes and out of emergency departments.
“This is believed to be a world first and will provide instant access to experts for people living with diabetes,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad is a co-convenor of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of People Affected by Diabetes.
“People with diabetes navigate a constant balancing act between high and low blood glucose levels and this can lead to emergencies requiring urgent care,” she said.
“This is particularly tricky for people living in rural and regional areas who often face barriers in accessing health care.
“The service will provide free telehealth services and enable better triaging of people with diabetes.
“In addition, ambulance paramedics called out by the service will now be equipped with blood ketone level testing kits to determine if the patient can be managed at home safely.”
The service is available 24 hours a day and help is offered in a range of different languages.
“This is important because many diabetic emergencies occur outside of normal hours, and it can often be difficult for someone to get assistance,” Ms Broad said.
The virtual service is a joint initiative of Diabetes Victoria, Northern Health, Ambulance Victoria, Royal Flying Doctors, PHN (Primary Health Networks) Victorian-Tasmanian alliance and the Victorian Government.
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department Diabetes Service can be accessed online by visiting vved.org.au