A remote health monitoring service has been established across regional South Australia with a view to reducing hospital admissions.

Eligible patients will be able to have their vital signs measured at home using a special kit with results assessed by a nurse or doctor over a video link, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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The state government said the free service improved access to urgent care, avoided unnecessary visits to emergency departments and supported rural GPs.

"This is an exciting new service that will improve access to urgent care in rural and remote areas, and extend the care of GPs into patients' homes," Rural Support Service executive director Debbie Martin said.

"Patients will receive round-the-clock assurance, be more informed about their health needs, and our country GPs will be supported."
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The service is aimed at patients at risk of hospitalisation including those with heart and respiratory disease, infections, regional aged care residents , and COVID-19 patients with underlying health conditions.

After being referred, they are given a take-home kit that includes a smart tablet.

They check their blood pressure, oxygen levels, pulse rate and temperature and upload results to a secure website.

A specialist nurse reviews the results and speaks to the patient before deciding the next steps, which could include escalating care to an after-hours GP.

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