Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) has welcomed the expansion of the Victorian Virtual Hospital pilot, highlighting its potential to enhance access to care for regional communities and support patients to receive treatment closer to home.
NHW Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Weir said the initiative builds on the health service’s existing strengths while opening new pathways for delivering specialist care.
“NHW welcomes the expansion of the Victorian Virtual Hospital pilot as another way to support care closer to home for our community,” Ms Weir said.
“This initiative complements the strong medical workforce and specialist expertise we already have at Northeast Health Wangaratta, including our existing neurology services, and helps us continue to make the 22st of our local capability.
“We are looking forward to building on the success of virtual wards through the introduction of a new neurology program, delivered in partnership with The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Goulburn Valley Health and Austin Health.
“This collaboration will support and enhance our current neurology service, strengthen connections between metro and regional providers, and provide additional options for patients to access specialist care closer to home.”
The expansion of virtual care models is expected to improve patient outcomes by reducing the need for travel, supporting earlier intervention, and enabling greater continuity of care for people living in regional areas.
NHW remains committed to working collaboratively with health partners to ensure high-quality, accessible healthcare for its community.