The new service was set up by the Southern NSW Medicare Local (SNSWML) in response to an identified gap in psychiatric services.
It allows people with significant mental health issues to have a comprehensive psychiatric assessment or a medication review without the three-month wait to see a visiting psychiatrist or a trip to Canberra or Nowra to consult a private practitioner.
Southern Medicare Local clinical services manager Christine van den Berg said the local service would provide a valuable bulk billing alternative for GPs and their patients.
“We have arranged for Sydney psychiatrist Dr Leticia Aydos to provide telehealth consultations each Tuesday afternoon from Moruya Medical Practice, supported by local mental health nurse Paula Howe,” she said.
“Telehealth is a win-win for everyone. It is one of the most cost-effective models of providing specialist outreach to rural and regional areas and allows specialists such as Dr Aydos an opportunity to work flexible hours from home.
“We understand some people might have reservations about consulting a specialist via a computer screen, but the physical presence of a local mental health nurse ensures people are made to feel at ease and supported.”
Dr Aydos said she was delighted to contribute to improved primary health care in the region and had been considering providing outreach through telehealth for some time before the Medicare Local contacted her.
“Working with Paula and the Medicare Local really makes me feel like I’m part of the team and gives me a sense of connection to the area,” she said.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received in establishing the Eurobodalla service, and I plan to visit the area in the near future to personally meet local health professionals and to present at a Mental Health Professionals Network meeting and a GP education event.”
Ms van den Berg said there were already plans to expand the service to other parts of the Eurobodalla and eventually extend the service to the Bega Valley and Monaro areas.
Patients or carers should speak to their GP about a referral to Dr Aydos.
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Quelle/Source: Batemans Bay Post, 16.08.2013
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