Known as the Virtual Hospital Virtual Ward Rounds, the initiative connects neurologists from the Royal Melbourne Hospital and gastroenterologists from Austin Health with medical teams and their patients via an iPad.
GV Health clinical director — medical Dr Anil Xavier said the program had been highly successful, with both doctors and patients responding positively to the new model of care.
“One of the most significant advantages has been the ability to ensure consistent specialist involvement throughout a patient’s treatment,” Dr Xavier said.
“By having the same clinician oversee a case, doctors are better able to understand the severity of a patient’s condition and make timely decisions regarding care, including whether a transfer to a larger facility is necessary.”
The results of the trial so far highlight its effectiveness.
Only one patient has required transfer during the program, a notable reduction compared to the five transfers that would typically occur among a similar number of patients.
Dr Xavier said the program had helped clinicians avoid unnecessary investigations, while enabling patients to begin the most appropriate treatment sooner.
This has also contributed to shorter hospital stays, with nearly 1000 hospital bed nights saved since the pilot began at other regional hospitals in December 2025.
Beyond the clinical benefits, Dr Xavier said the program had also improved the patient experience.
“Patients are able to see and speak directly with their specialist during consultations, which helps them better understand their treatment plans and the reasons behind them,” he said.
“Family members can also be included in these virtual appointments, allowing them to participate in care decisions without the need to travel long distances.”
The success of the pilot has also drawn attention to the ongoing shortage of specialists in regional areas such as Shepparton.
Dr Xavier said demand for neurologists and gastroenterologists remained high, and he hoped that initiatives like this would encourage more specialists to work in the region.
“Increased specialist presence could, in turn, attract other medical professionals and students, strengthening the local healthcare system,” he said.
The program is the result of a collaborative effort between GV Health, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Austin Health, and has been funded by the Victorian Department of Health.
With further funding recently announced in the 2026-27 state budget, GV Health will continue working with the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Austin Health to make specialist care easier for patients to access closer to home.
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