Amplar Health partners with the Australian Government to revolutionise aged care with virtual nursing services

Amplar Health is proud to announce its partnership with the Australian Government to deliver an innovative model of care designed to support the aged care sector.

Announced yesterday by the Department of Health and Aged Care, Medibank’s health service delivery company, Amplar Health will provide virtual nursing services to aged care residents across 30 homes nationwide.

This new framework aims to ensure older Australians receive consistent, timely care when and where they need it.

The trial project will run from March 2025 until June 2027, and will focus on enhancing care delivery in rural and remote areas, as well as in facilities supporting older people of First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The trial will explore how virtual nursing services can be integrated into aged care homes to provide critical support to on-site staff and ensure that residents are able to access personalised clinical care.

While virtual nursing care is not intended to replace face-to-face services, it aims to extend clinical expertise to homes in need, improving care continuity for residents.

Amplar Health Chief Executive Robert Read congratulated the Australian Government on its innovative approach.

“This trial will showcase how virtual care services can complement and enhance care delivery. By offering residential aged care homes and their staff access to additional clinical expertise, I have no doubt we can support the Australian Government to improve the quality of care for older Australians,” he said.

Amplar Health will recruit additional registered nurses to ensure a robust and sustainable service model.

“Our virtual nursing team will act as an extension to on-ground care teams. They will participate in routine care, consult with families and provide specialist support in areas such as wound care, dementia and more,” said Mr Read.

Federal Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells stated; “The Albanese Government is committed to building and strengthening a valued, supported and skilled aged care workforce to meet the needs of older people. This investment demonstrates how we are pursuing innovation in aged care for the benefit of older people and to support the workforce in thin markets."

La Trobe University has been appointed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the trial project. This evaluation will assess the impact of virtual care by reference to clinical outcomes, workforce capacity and the long-term sustainability of aged care services.