A virtual service linking local clinicians and patients with intensive care staff in Sydney has been formally launched at Broken Hill Hospital, but unions say more local nursing staff are needed.
The service was formally launched this week by the state government as part of a $10 million funding boost for the hospital, with upgrades to its emergency department and mental health unit.
The government said it would provide continuous high-definition monitoring of multiple patients.
Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor, who toured the city on Wednesday with the Deputy Premier and Western NSW Minister, said it would help provide important care to locals.
"This is absolutely making sure that they have access to the best that NSW Health has to offer," she said.
"This will demonstrate that we will be able to care for people that are what we call a higher acuity in health, so they have higher needs."
Ms Taylor said it would also provide opportunities for rural and regional clinicians to improve their skills.
"Just to have that confidence validated that they are providing excellent care, that they'll now be supported by having those clinicians virtually."
'This is massive for us'
Far West Local Health District chief executive Umit Agis said the new service was a game-changer for the region.
Mr Agis said there had been a soft launch for the service last week and it had been working well.
He said the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.
"It's been great for our clinicians because what it's shown is that through collaboration and willingness, we can really achieve just about anything."
Union says further staffing still key
Nurses and Midwives Association local president Breeanna Braga said the service was a great resource for the city.
She said while staff would appreciate being connected with Sydney-based specialists, workforce issues still needed to be addressed.
"I think it's important to remember that this virtual ICU will not replace staff and nurses on the floor.
Ms Braga's comments follow separate state-wide strikes the local union took part in over the past two months, strikes focused on addressing conditions, pay and nurse-to-patient ratios.
She said it was not uncommon to see nurses looking after six to 10 patients on the wards by themselves.
"Up to 12 patients by themselves in ED, and midwives can be looking after five mothers, which also means that they'll be looking after up to five babies as well," she said.
"The nurses' ratios I guess in Broken Hill are unsafe."
