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Virtual nursing is on the rise in the aged care sector, in response to a chronic workforce shortage. 30 aged care homes around the country are using a virtual nursing service, to make sure they have registered nurses to cover overnight and other essential shifts.
The registered nurse is off-site, and available to be phoned or video-called by care workers if they need nursing advice.
Emergency Consult started a pilot in early 2022, which has now been rolled out in 24 BUPA facilities along with several other care homes.
But the union representing care workers says not having qualified nurses on site puts too much pressure on care workers and could undermine the quality of care.
Kathryn speaks with Jenni Falconer Chief Executive and founder of Emergency Consult, Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association Simon Wallace, and Rachel Mackintosh, Assistant National Secretary of E Tu - the union representing care workers.