Respiratory scientist monitoring patients through laptop

Telehealth Trial

A new Telehealth Trial with regional healthcare provides aims to improve children's health across Victoria.

Telehealth has become an important and accessible way to deliver healthcare virtually, and the implementation of this technology has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through the support of the Good Friday Appeal, The Royal Children’s Hospital is partnering with regional healthcare providers in the Wimmera Southern Mallee region to improve children’s health and development through a telehealth trial.

Paediatricians from the RCH will be working with local GPs to increase their skills and co-consult with families on behavioural and developmental concerns.

Learnings from the trial model will be used to build evidence about this innovative approach to paediatric healthcare beyond the hospital walls, ensuring patients across the nation have access to great care.

Professor Sharon Goldfeld, Director of The Centre for Community Child Health, said: “It’s not just about the kids that walk through our door but kids all over Victoria.

“The hospital and its four walls are not where we want to end the sorts of work this hospital does. We want to make a difference to the children of Victoria.”

Prof Goldfield said the program was meeting the needs of families while working with other service providers to help build capacity to ensure children get access to the same services no matter where they lived.

Image of Baby and his Mum wearing a face mask at the RCH Taken by Alex Coppel in 2022

Upgrade of Retcam

Equipment and Technology

Through Good Friday Appeal support, RCH Ophthalmologists will have access to the latest equipment and technology, with the upgrade of a vital tool used in screening for eye disease in newborns, known as a RETCAM.