Belgravia Leisure has announced the launch of a telehealth service for patients who may be at risk of developing, or have existing, medical conditions and injuries. The telehealth service will be undertaken by accredited Exercise Physiologists via video conferencing software and is expected to support approximately 40,000 to 50,000 members and staff.
The exercise physiology health service was previously developed to provide care and support for patients located in leisure centre health clubs operated by Belgravia Leisure in selected locations in Australia. After the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent government mandated closures of leisure centres throughout Australia, over 20 Exercise Physiologists found themselves temporarily stood down with no patients to support. At the time of the outbreak and shutdowns, it was identified that nearly 200 patients had been undertaking rehabilitation immediately prior to the outbreak and required urgent support from Belgravia Leisure’s Exercise Physiologists.
The telehealth service will also include personal consultations with accredited Exercise Physiologists who will build customised patient programs based on individual patient needs. The Exercise Physiologists will utilise specialised software to track and monitor patient progress for clinical assessment. The software will enable patients to follow exercise programs and enter their progress which can be assessed by their Exercise Physiologist in real time.
“As an Exercise Physiologist, my main priority has always been the health and support of my patients,” says Darcy Vipond, who has worked as an Exercise Physiologist at Belgravia Leisure’s Ascot Vale Leisure Centre for two and a half years. “When COVID-19 took hold of our country and all leisure facilities were closed, I found myself temporarily without work and worrying about my patients who were in the middle of their programs and desperately needing regular EP sessions for rehabilitation. The telehealth service allows me to re-engage with my patients and continue supporting them in their successful rehabilitation.”
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that in Australia, an alarming 47.3% of the adult population lives with one or more chronic health conditions. Belgravia Leisure plans that by offering a telehealth Exercise Physiologist service, it can continue to support the community through virtual consultations and once again provide employment for its team of Exercise Physiologists.
“Belgravia Leisure is pleased to provide this service to our community during this challenging time. Since the government mandated shutdowns, we have been looking for ways to re-engage our workforce and support our community. Our first priority has always been the health and wellbeing of our staff and local communities and we plan that our telehealth service will provide crucial support to patients who require essential care during this pandemic and reconnect our Exercise Physiologists with their patients,” said Nick Cox, CEO of Belgravia Leisure.
For more information about Belgravia Leisure’s Telehealth program, visit https://belgravialeisure.com.au/telehealth-program/
