Virtual ER Services Expand to Additional Central Newfoundland Sites
Several communities in Newfoundland and Labrador will benefit from expanded access to emergency care through Virtual ER services at select Central Zone health centres.
This initiative, running from December 6th – 13th, ensures around-the-clock emergency services for residents in areas that may experience occasional challenges with local doctor availability. During a Virtual ER visit, residents can proceed to the emergency room as they normally would.
A health care professional will be on site at each location. They’ll be supported remotely by a physician or nurse practitioner via video link to provide comprehensive emergent care assessments and treatment recommendations.
“In many ways, a Virtual ER experience mirrors a traditional ER visit,” explained a representative from NL Health Services. “This technology enables us to ensure that every resident has access to prompt and effective emergency care, regardless of their location.”
More information about Virtual ER can be found on [website address].
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Those without a family physician or experiencing non-emergency medical issues can access the Health Hub for virtual and in-person care.
Health Hub clinics welcome all residents of Central Newfoundland and are located at the Gander Medical Clinic and the Killick Clinic in Grand Falls-Windsor.
Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please note that these hours are subject to physician availability, and patients may experience longer wait times for both virtual and in-person appointments.
To reach the Health Hub, please call the Gander Medical Clinic at 709-381-0112 or 709-381-0338. The Killick Clinic can be reached at 709-292-8404.
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24/7 Access to Healthcare with 811 HealthLine
Newfoundland and Labrador residents are reminded that 811 Healthline is a valuable resource for accessible healthcare around the clock.
This free service offers:
* Medical advice: Speak with a registered nurse who can provide guidance and answer your health questions. They can also help schedule virtual caregiver appointments which are typically accommodated within three days.
* Health information: Get reliable information on various health topics.
* Mental health support: Trained counsellors are available to offer support during mental health crises.
For more detailed information on 811 HealthLine, please visit: [website address].
NL Health Services acknowledges the understanding and cooperation from the public as it continues to ensure residents have access to safe, high-quality healthcare services.
How does the virtual ER program address concerns about data privacy and security?
## Expanding Access to Urgent Care: A Virtual Solution
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing an exciting new development in healthcare here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Joining us is Alex Reed, a representative from Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, to talk about the expansion of virtual ER services. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Alex Reed:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s jump right in. Can you tell our viewers about this new initiative and what it means for residents in Central Newfoundland?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Starting December 6th and running through December 13th, we’re piloting a virtual ER program at select Central Zone health centres. This means that even during times when local doctor availability might be limited, residents can still access crucial emergency care around the clock.
**Host:** That sounds incredibly beneficial. How exactly does a virtual ER visit work?
**Alex Reed:** It’s designed to be as seamless as possible. Residents present to the emergency room as they normally would. There will be a healthcare professional on-site at each location who will be supported remotely by a physician or nurse practitioner through a secure video link.
**Host:** So, while the patient is physically in the ER, they’re also being connected with a medical professional remotely?
**Alex Reed:** Precisely. This allows for comprehensive emergent care assessments and treatment recommendations, mirroring the experience of a traditional ER visit in many ways. [[1](https://ntv.ca/virtual-er-option-now-available-at-carbonear-general-hospital/)]
**Host:** That’s reassuring to hear. What are some of the benefits of this virtual approach?
**Alex Reed:** We believe this program offers several key advantages. Primarily, it addresses concerns about access to emergency care, particularly in areas where doctor availability can fluctuate. Besides ensuring 24/7 coverage, it also leverages technology to facilitate quicker access to specialized medical expertise, ultimately leading to more timely and effective care.
**Host:** This sounds like a true game-changer for healthcare in Central Newfoundland. Any final thoughts for our viewers?
**Alex Reed:** We encourage everyone to learn more about this pilot program and the locations participating.
This is just one example of how NL Health Services is committed to exploring innovative solutions to improve healthcare accessibility for all residents.
**Host:** Thank you so much, Alex Reed, for shedding light on this important development. We appreciate your time.
