Media releases

A new initiative by Federation University brings essential physiotherapy via telehealth to those who need it. The Federation Physiotherapy Virtual Care Clinic (FPVCC) addresses a growing need for innovative healthcare access in the Latrobe Valley while providing physiotherapy students from the Churchill campus with telehealth clinic placements.

With funding from Latrobe Health Assembly, the FPVCC is increasing its accessibility by launching the first of six satellite hubs across the Latrobe Valley at the Churchill Neighbourhood Centre. The hubs provide the appropriate technology in a private space for community members to access their physiotherapy telehealth appointments via video call – removing barriers for those who cannot access telehealth at home.

The FPVCC directly responds to actions from the Latrobe Valley Chronic Disease Action Plan, led by Latrobe Health Assembly, which considers new ways of working to improve the experience of those living with chronic conditions in the Latrobe Valley. Since launching in August 2023, the clinic has conducted more than 780 video call consultations with patients and enabled 22 students to learn while working with the community.

“The Federation Physiotherapy Virtual Care Clinic is breaking down regional barriers to healthcare like distance, cost and wait times for people living with a chronic health condition, while giving students critical job placement experience under the guidance of experienced clinicians. We are proud to partner with Latrobe Health Assembly to address skills shortages and provide a pipeline of graduates primed for the regional workforce,” says Federation University Professor of Physiotherapy, Louisa Remedios.

Latrobe Health Assembly Chair, Tanya Rong, agrees: “We know that Allied Health appointments can be difficult to access in Latrobe Valley due to a combination of factors such as a shortage of practitioners. Tapping into a skilled alternate workforce, such as the Federation University physiotherapy students, means that more people in the Latrobe Valley can prioritise their health and wellbeing and access the services they need when they need them.”

With a third of the Latrobe Valley living with two or more chronic conditions – the clinic has already had a positive effect since its launch with one patient sharing: “I stretched, groaned and laughed through my lessons and a couple of months later felt so much stronger, healthier and happier… I think they should be proud of their knowledge and delivery. They listened. I appreciated their bright shining faces, their wit and will to help, keen aptitude and precise directives.”

Patients can request a referral to the FPVCC from their healthcare provider. The low- or no-cost clinic can provide evidence-based therapies for chronic health conditions, including musculoskeletal, neurological and/or cardiopulmonary-related health problems.

Once the clinic receives a referral, the client will be contacted to schedule the appointment – with the option of attending remotely or by using the satellite hub.

For more information, visit: https://federation.edu.au/federation-allied-healthcare/physiotherapy-clinic