Distance med program at HSN earns provincial award

The Virtual Critical Care unit, based at Health Sciences North, is this year’s recipient of the Minister’s Medal Honouring Excellence in Health Quality and Safety, presented by Health Quality Ontario.

Launched in May 2014, the Virtual Critical Care unit is the first critical care model of its kind in Canada.

Virtual Critical Care received start-up funding through the North East Local Health Integration Network (NE LHIN) and uses a special software program created by the Ontario Telemedicine Network.

The program takes advantage of the latest in videoconferencing technology and electronic medical records sharing to connect HSN with smaller Critical Care units and Emergency Departments at 22 other hospitals across northeastern Ontario.

A team of Intensive Care Unit physicians, specially trained nurses and respiratory therapists at Health Sciences North provide around-the-clock consultations for critically ill patients at participating hospitals.

Other allied health professionals — such as dietitians and pharmacists — are also available for consultation during scheduled hours.

In a news release, the hospital said providing long-distance health care enhances the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill patients across the region. Besides providing access to health professionals, the program also helps patients avoid being transferred from their local hospitals, away from their families and support systems.

Since it was launched, 227 patients have been served by Virtual Critical Care, with an additional 355 follow-up visits, for a total of more 19,362 care minutes. Eighty patients avoided a medical transfer by air ambulance, at an approximate saving of $1.3 million to the health-care system.

“This unique model of care is innovative, effective, and patient-focused, the very pillars of our strategic plan and approach to health care. Those involved in VCC are truly pioneers in health care,” said Health Sciences North president and CEO Dr. Denis Roy in a press release.