A new virtual emergency department for diabetics will have a major impact on the way diabetes emergencies are managed in Victoria, and especially in regional areas.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad attended the launch of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department Diabetes Service (VVEDDS) 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. 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 be equipped with blood ketone level testing kits to determine if the patient can be managed at home safely.”
Ms Broad said the service would be available 24 hours a day and would offer help in a range of different languages.
“This is important because many diabetic emergencies occur out of normal hours and it can often be difficult for someone to get assistance.”
Ms Broad held a diabetes roundtable earlier this year which found diabetes is on the rise in Northern Victoria.
“All types of diabetes are growing at an unprecedented rate, profoundly affecting people’s lives and placing an extra burden on the health system,” Ms Broad said.
“Diabetes is the third leading driver of major health issues in Northern Victoria, behind cardiovascular disease and cancer. Diabetics are up to four times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
“This new virtual emergency department will go a long way to helping people with diabetes.”
The virtual ED is a joint initiative of Diabetes Victoria, Northern Health, Ambulance Victoria, Royal Flying Doctors, PHN Victorian-Tasmanian alliance and the State Government.
This launch was done as part of National Diabetes Week. The new service is part of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.
To access the service go to https://www.vved.org.au/
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
