The Challenge
Although many NSW Health facilities had been using overbed cameras to assist in patient care, the existing technology required upgrading. Not all cameras were connected to the same network and their use and specifications were inconsistent across the state.
eHealth NSW managed a major upgrade to regional and remote services to standardise and enhance the solution.
Watch Carlyne's story and her experience at Batlow Hospital with a Critical Care Camera.
The Plan
To ensure clinicians across NSW continue to have access to real time specialist advice when treating patients, they would need access to new high-quality critical care cameras and a secure, purpose-built web portal.
eHealth NSW worked closely with an Advisory Group comprised of representatives from various districts and health organisations to understand their needs. We liaised closely with local health districts and specialty health networks regarding site readiness and installation as well as on plans to decommission existing cameras.
New cameras were procured and installed, and a secure web-based portal was developed. Specialist clinicians located offsite can view live stream, control the camera, take screen shots and access cameras across multiple facilities.
Training and reference materials were created to assist clinicians and specialists. The new solution is simple to use, providing higher quality images and video stream.
The Outcome
The new critical care cameras and network are helping to save lives across the state.
Piloted in Murrumbidgee, Sydney, Southern, South West Sydney and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts (LHDs), over 600 lifesaving consultations are conducted each month.
As of September 2022, over 200 new cameras have been installed with an additional 100 scheduled for roll out by mid 2023.
The Benefits
The many benefits of the critical care cameras and network include:
- Faster diagnosis and treatment for patients in regional and rural NSW
- 24/7 access to critical care advice for local clinicians
- Simple to use, state of the art technology
- Improved imaging and video quality and functionality
- Standardises the approach across the state.