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Ministry of Health
eHealth - Faster, safer, better healthcare

Telehealth

Current State

Telehealth services are currently available in approximately 20 clinical program areas, including oncology, mental health/psychiatry, thoracic surgery, homecare, renal, rheumatology and wound care, as well as special services for children

The capacity for two-way, live videoconferencing, clinical, administrative and health related educational encounters exist in more than 100 communities throughout the province. There are approximately 200 Telehealth facilities providing access to approximately 470 videoconferencing end points. Two First nations Telehealth networks are providing health education and training to approximately 30 sites in BC.

Telehealth facilities supported approximately 18,000 Telehealth consults through videoconferencing, for fiscal year 07/08, with anticipated annual growth of 25% per annum.

Provincial Telehealth Projects
In addition, Canada Health Infoway has invested in provincial strategic planning and design initiatives on the following projects: 

  • TeleOncology,
  • TeleThoracic,
  • TeleHomecare,
  • TeleWoundcare,
  • First Nations TeleOphthalmology and
  • First Nations Telehealth Expansion. 

These projects are being led by Health Authorities and First Nations, respectively, and will establish the foundation for future expansion across the province.

Peter, who lives in Port Hardy, needs to consult with a cancer specialist in Victoria. Instead of driving for 12 hours he has Telehealth session at a hospital facility in Port Hardy where the specialist performs a live, two-way remote consultation and provides treatment option, care plans, counselling, and follow up care.

eHealth will provide