Finalist: Patient Safety First Award
The Virtual Rural Generalist Service (VRGS) provides 24/7 medical coverage for smaller rural communities.
Due to decreasing numbers of General Practitioners (GP) trainees Australia-wide and an ageing medical workforce, there are difficulties in ensuring consistent medical coverage for people in rural and remote areas.
In 2021, Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) created the VRGS model to address these challenges. After researching and consulting with the community and staff, Southern NSW Local Health District partnered with WNSWLHD to test VRGS at five pilot sites for six months.
The VRGS service started in July 2023 and now offers virtual medical care at Braidwood, Yass, Bombala, Delegate, and Crookwell.
VRGS doctors provide both virtual and in-person care, stepping in to support local medical officers when they are unavailable or need a break.
The project has delivered positive outcomes, including increased access to 24/7 comprehensive medical coverage, positive transformation towards embedding virtual care in the District and positive feedback from local nurses, medical officers and patients.
Meet the other finalists for the Patient Safety First Award.
