Telehealth consultations allow a patient and their general practitioner to consult with specialists such as oncologists and cardiologists via video conference.

Edenhope Medical Clinic practice nurse Helen Mulraney-Roll said she was amazed at how quickly patients embraced the telehealth service.

‘‘We have had as many as 13 telehealth appointments on the one day, but generally we average about four a month,’’ she said.

‘‘It saves each patient – and often their carer – an expensive and tiring seven-hour round trip to Ballarat or even further, for what is generally a 10-minute appointment with their specialist.

‘‘More importantly, our team strongly believes our patients are receiving improved care because we generally join them for their video consult and can help explain the advice and information provided by their specialist.’’

Ms Mulraney-Roll said the video conferencing system connected patients with specialists from Adelaide, Geelong and Ballarat.

Edenhope resident John Thornton, 97, said the service had enabled him to maintain his specialist care.

‘‘If I couldn’t access telehealth for my six-monthly oncology review appointments I probably would have given them away,’’ he said.

‘‘What used to take all day on the road is now done with a quick trip to the clinic at Edenhope.

‘‘I’ve never used a computer, but I am very appreciative that my specialists and the clinic provide this service.’’

Grampians Medicare Local chief executive Andrew McPherson said developments in technology were improving access to healthcare.

He said the practical benefits were evident throughout the Wimmera.

‘‘All practices in the Grampians Medicare Local region are telehealth-enabled,’’ he said.

‘‘We encourage patients to talk to their doctors and specialists about how telehealth could be of value.’’