Tara Murray
Northern Health is finding new ways to help coronavirus sufferers, launching a COVID-19 Positive Community Monitoring Program.
The new program is a telephone-based service for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 at any Northern Health site.
Operating seven days a week, the program is for patients who are suffering mild to moderate symptoms and can be treated at home.
Northern Health programs director Johanna Hayes said the first three weeks of the program had been a success.
The service is staffed by medical, nursing and allied health professionals.
“The program was set up in a response to the increased community transmission of COVID-19, and within one week we had robust guidelines, a call centre with six stations, and, most importantly, amazing staff,” she said.
“Since the program commenced three weeks ago, a total of 2444 calls have been made, monitoring over 600 patients.”
Staff stay in contact with patients during the first 10-12 days of their symptoms, while at-risk patients are closely monitored with daily phone calls.
Some patients have been assisted with helping gain food, health and emergency supplies.
All patients are provided with a number to contact the monitoring team for further support and guidance as required.
One user of the hotline said it had made a really big difference.
“I am now more comfortable staying at home in isolation as I know there is someone who I can call and who will check in on me.“
