Digital ordering from pharmacies enabled in Victoria and more instructions

NSW extends virtual healthcare to adults

Over a year since listing urgent virtual care service for children and young people statewide, the New South Wales government has devised a similar service for adults.

The new VirtualAdult service will provide emergency care via videoconferencing for common illnesses or injuries, such as coughs and colds or flu, respiratory symptoms, vomiting and diarrhea, and rashes.

Following its launch this month, December, in Sydney, a statewide expansion is planned by the end of 2025. The service is part of several initiatives introduced to ease pressure on overburdened emergency departments in NSW.

Digital pharmacy ordering is now live in Victoria

Compound pharmacy Slade Health, part of cancer care provider Icon Group, has digitized its ordering system for public hospitals in Victoria.

It recently integrated Magentus’ Charm Evolution digital medication management system with its internal software to automate the flow of information.

In a press release, Slade Health said public health agencies and hospitals can now order through this digital system, eliminating the need for manual entry. The system also provides the pharmacy with near real-time insight into orders, updates and cancellations.

This integration makes Victoria the second state in Australia after Queensland to fully digitize hospital pharmacy orders.

Royal Melbourne Hospital strengthens digital transformation

Royal Melbourne Hospital has sought support from digital health accelerator ANDHealth for its digital transformation.

It made the organization its “innovation partner,” helping to stay informed and provide expert advice on new and emerging technologies.

The hospital has also become ANDHealths’ first core hospital system partner, providing insights into physician and staff technology demands and needs.