Coping with COVID-19 – Telehealth keeps patients and doctors safe

Dr Ali Attiah handling his consultations via telehealth appointments on Monday PHOTO TWH

Due to the serious challenges presented by the threat of COVID-19, Bourke’s doctors are making use of technology to manage patients with chronic health conditions or patients with a higher risk of contracting the virus.

To facilitate telephone and online consultations, a new telehealth number was launched this week – 1800 472 767.

And fortunately, doctors at RaRMS had already mastered the art of remote consultations some time prior to these new challenges presented by the pandemic.

Dr Ali Attiah said online consultations had been running well and had enabled doctors, nurses, other health personnel and patients to be protected, as well as maintaining the vital doctor-patient relationship.

“Patients are actually getting the same service on the phone or online as they would if they were coming in for a face-to-face consultation,” Dr Attiah said.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.