A program from SA Health’s Women’s and Children’s Health Network providing online care and guidance to COVID-positive kids and their families has helped 96 per cent of its patients avoid a trip to the hospital.
Commenting on the Program’s success, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Stephen Wade said the success of the COVIDKids service proved the skill of the SA Health teams who created it.
“Children who are referred to COVIDKids receive regular online check-ups, support and advice from the comfort and safety of their own home,” Mr Wade said.
“If a child needs in-person care, the COVIDKids team can organise for them to attend hospital safely where the appropriate care is provided in a purpose-built clinical area,” he said.
“Close to 400 patients have been referred to this service and have been able to access in-person and virtual care from experienced paediatric nurses, doctors and other supporting staff from the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.”
The Minister said almost 70 children had avoided a direct trip to the Paediatric Emergency Department after being referred into COVIDKids by the South Australian Ambulance Service.
Chief Executive of the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Lindsey Gough said the service allowed children to receive care at home, keeping hospital beds available for those who needed them.
“Our expert COVIDKids team will virtually assess children with COVID-19 and offer support and medical advice to families in their own home,” Ms Gough said.
“By receiving care and treatment at home, children are able to remain in isolation and avoid the stress that can sometimes be associated with visiting a hospital,” she said.
Information on what you can do if your child tests positive to COVID-19 can be accessed at this PS News link.
