Residents offered telehealth parties to help maintain their health during winter

Grampians Health - Edenhope (formerly Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital) will host a series of telehealth parties to assist the community in maintaining their health during the cooler months while also demonstrating how to easily access video appointments with medical specialists. 

Local residents can either host a telehealth party at the Health and Wellbeing Hub in Elizabeth Street with a group of their friends or in the comfort of their own home. 

For those residents wishing to host a party at home, Community Care Coordinator, Shelley Jones, will provide the technology to demonstrate a telehealth appointment. All attendees are also able to have their blood pressure checked if they choose.

Mrs Jones said while it was common for residents to put off medical appointments during the winter months due to not wanting to travel in wet conditions, the hospital was encouraging patients to maintain their health through telehealth appointments. 

Interim Lead Executive Officer, Kate Pryde, said telehealth was safe and easy to use, less disruptive to day-to-day life, and saved travel time. 

“By offering patients easier access to GPs, specialists, mental health and allied health professionals health outcomes are improved,” Ms Pryde said. 

“Residents who previously delayed face-to-face appointments due to hours of travel were much more likely to continue treatment and attend follow-up appointments as telehealth can be conducted anytime and anywhere including your home, office and car.” 

Edenhope’s Ray Mahney, who uses telehealth, said he didn’t realise he could talk to his doctor online via a video and how easy and simple it was to do so. 

For more information or to book a party please call (03) 5585 9830 or drop into the Health and Wellbeing Hub at 65 Elizabeth Street, Edenhope.