Standalone e-prescribing platform formally launched

This week, health tech startup Telecare launched the first standalone electronic prescribing platform in Australia.

Called RxPad, this cloud-based, mobile-friendly platform digitises the process of writing up, signing off, and posting prescriptions. It allows doctors to prescribe without having to log into any practice management software.

The platform also integrates with the drug reference system MIMS, ensuring doctors have access to the latest drug information. 

Additionally, RxPad is fully compliant with the Australian Digital Health Agency guidelines. 

After-hours telestroke service expanded to northern Top End 

The Royal Darwin Hospital is the latest hospital in the Northern Territory to join the South Australia Telestroke service after-hours.

Through videoconferencing, the service provides quick consultation from neurologists based in Adelaide for patients with suspected strokes. 

Although it is already providing round-the-clock stroke care, RDH has joined SA Telestroke to offer patients with acute stroke additional support.

Alice Springs Hospital is the other NT hospital that is part of SA Telestroke. It is also now one of the nine regional hospitals in Australia that are accredited Stroke Capable Regional Hospitals. 

EMPHN ends free after-hours telehealth service 

After more than five years, the after-hours consultation service provided by My Emergency Doctor for the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network will cease on 30 September.

The service had been instrumental during the pandemic, hitting capacity and receiving up to 700 calls per month. Prior to 2020, it served as an option in areas with little to no access to after-hour services.

"There is now a range of services available when and where patients need it most as we look for new ways to build a more sustainable and accessible approach to health care," EMPHN said, referring to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, which offers free telehealth service across Victoria, and the GP-led Priority Primary Care Centres, which operates a face-to-face service the whole week and after-hours.