Care that comes to the bedside
At a glance
Gundagai’s Uralba Hostel was one of 22 RACHs to receive telehealth equipment, while 15 other homes received funding to purchase their own telehealth equipment
On-site education on readiness for telehealth use was provided to 22 RACHs, including Uralba Hostel
In Uralba, 5 residents received speech therapy consultations via telehealth on a single day
For residents of Uralba Hostel in Gundagai, accessing specialist care may no longer require leaving the comfort and familiarity of home.
In May 2026, five residents received individual speech therapy consultations via telehealth, delivered directly to their rooms using purpose-designed mobile equipment funded by the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN). The hostel initiative is part of MPHN’s broader work to build digital health capability across primary and aged care, using technology not simply for technology’s sake, but to make healthcare easier to access. It is just one in a series of 22 set-ups rolled out across the region.
The set-up can be wheeled to the bedside, reducing disruption for residents – particularly those with mobility or cognitive challenges – while providing greater privacy and confidentiality.
Making the technology available was only part of the solution for Uralba. Ahead of the consultations, MPHN Digital Health Project Officer Shivaram Ravulwar worked alongside staff, providing hands-on training in setting up and moving the equipment, managing sound and vision, creating consultations and supporting residents throughout appointments.
“The goal is to make telehealth feel like a normal part of care, not something stressful or unfamiliar,” Mr Ravulwar said. “When staff are confident using the technology, the focus shifts from the equipment to the conversation.”
Uralba Manager Katie White said practical support made a significant difference.
“The equipment is easy to move and set up, which means our residents can have their appointments comfortably in their own rooms, without the stress of being moved around.”
As Mr Ravulwar said: “It’s about using digital health in a way that fits the place and the people.”
Image from blog?