Community & regional programs
Specialist telehealth for Mackay and rural facilities—see a specialist via video at a hospital site or on your own device, without travelling as far.
Summary
Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) provides specialist telehealth for a variety of specialties. Appointments and clinics can be delivered both to rural facilities from Mackay Base Hospital (MBH), and from tertiary centres throughout Queensland to MBH and rural facilities.
Your GP has referred you for specialist medical assessment at MBH. Sometimes the specialist is not in Mackay. The hospital uses a video system that reaches specialists outside Mackay, so patients can stay in their hometown. The specialist—who may be anywhere in Australia, but never overseas—will speak with you via the screen and microphone in front of you. You do not have to operate any of the controls.
The local clinician with you can help the specialist by taking your blood pressure, for example, or examining a part of you while the specialist observes. Notes are made by the specialist and the local clinician, then added to your hospital record. A letter is then sent to your referring GP.
What should I expect?
Your appointment may take place at a hospital site, or via a secure link on your device.
Option 01
When you arrive for your telehealth appointment, you will be shown into a private room where the video conference equipment is set up. You will meet your local clinician and sit in front of a screen with a camera, where you will see and speak to your specialist.
If you need to be examined, your local clinician will carry out the examination on behalf of the specialist.
Option 02
Telecare will send a link to your nominated device. Before your scheduled time, click the link to connect with the specialist and, if required, the local clinician.
The local clinician and specialist will dial in so you can see and speak with them, exactly as if you were talking in person.
About Telecare
Telecare provides video conferencing care for some medical sub-specialties on behalf of Mackay Base Hospital. Telecare is one of Australia’s largest telehealth providers, with a panel of clinicians across 30+ specialties, operating nationwide with a focus on regional Australia.
A contract between Telecare and MHHS outlines how this service is provided, including standards of service and confidentiality. It guarantees the same level of care as if the service was occurring at MBH. The contract has been carefully reviewed by the MHHS legal department and the Queensland Health Contracts Management Unit.
For more information
Telecare
Mackay Base Hospital
Need more assistance?
If you need further help with this program, follow the links below.
