Telehealth pod improves patient access to hospital appointments

Marni is one of the patients who has used the telehealth pod at the Brighton Wellness Hub and gave it a big tick of approval for being private and it reduced the anxiety of visiting hospital.

Brighton residents and people from surrounding suburbs have access to a new remote health service which aims to make life easier for anyone struggling to attend hospital appointments.

A private, soundproof telehealth pod is now open at the Brighton Wellness Hub.

Community and Oral Health Manager Consumer and Community Partnerships Claire Harrison said the pod was designed to help connect patients to their scheduled hospital telehealth appointments.

“Anyone receiving care from a Metro North Health facility can access the telehealth pod,” Claire said. “Telehealth appointments can be scheduled if the person does not need to be examined.

“This is a convenient and beneficial way to access your appointment.

“It can also save the patient time and money, as they don’t need to travel to hospital for appointments or more importantly pay for parking.”

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in medical appointments, and this has led to the need to provide more options for people to better access care.

“While telehealth appointments can be done from home with a phone, computer or iPad, the pod at the Brighton Wellness Hub is perfect for anyone without technology, find it more convenient or aren’t tech savvy,” Claire said.

“It is available to anyone. You may work or live in the Brighton area and don’t want to drive to the RBWH for an appointment.

“You may be homeless or living in a situation that doesn’t allow you to have access to phones, computers or iPads. You can pop into the Hub and use the telehealth pod instead.”

The telehealth pod is a free service. Patients just need to discuss the option of telehealth with their doctor to decide if it’s suitable.

Claire said once the appointment was made, they turn up at the Brighton Wellness Hub and staff will assist.

“The Pod only accommodates one person but if a support person needs to be present, we have a meeting room where we can set them up,” she said.

The Brighton Wellness Hub is located at the corner of Nineteenth Ave and the Hornibrook Hwy, Brighton. Call 3631 7568 or email COH-Engagement@health.qld.gov.au