WELLINGTON COUNTY – Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service (GWPS) is doubling its remote monitoring program capacity.
First used in 2016, according to GWPS deputy chief Leanne Swantko, remote monitoring allows for older adults to retain their independence and live at home while also reducing unpleasant visits to hospital emergency departments.
Through the service’s community paramedicine program, participants are set up with equipment monitoring weight, blood pressures, pulse, oxygen levels, temperatures and blood sugar levels – all of which paramedics view remotely and respond to accordingly.
Swantko said the data helps paramedics catch things before they become an emergency.
“We’re keeping patients out of the emergency department and helping people with alternate-level-of-care needs,” she said.
Now, with $144,480 in newly announced funding from the province, the program is increasing its capacity from 50 clients to 100, at any given time.
The grant comes from a collaborative effort by the Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team and GWPS.
“We are excited to expand this successful program across our family health teams,” said Swantko.
“By increasing the reach of this program, we can improve the level of care in our community for those who need assistance.”
Grant dollars are being used to purchase new equipment and, following the successful trial of remote monitoring hardware and software from Kitchener-based Cloud DX, that company replaces Elora’s Future Health Services.
