THE Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) has celebrated a significant milestone of 500,000 presentations.
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.
Established in October 2020, the VVED provides free video consultation to patients of all ages across Victoria for non-life-threatening emergencies. The VVED, based at Northern Hospital Epping, is staffed by emergency trained nurses and doctors, and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide people with around-the-clock care from the comfort of their own home.
Minister for Health The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas visited the VVED at Northern Hospital Epping last month to celebrate the milestone.
“Our emergency departments are busier than ever,” she said.
Services like the VVED are making a real difference in lightening the load of our dedicated healthcare workers,” she said.
VVED Program Director Dr Loren Sher said at least one in 10 Victorians had 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,” Dr Sher 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.”
To access the VVED and pre-register information for faster access to virtual emergency care, visit vved.org.au.
