MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Bayshore HealthCare is leading a new era of home care with telehealth technology for wound care – and potentially other conditions, too – that can limit hospital visits, reduce treatment times and improve the patient experience.

In the first application of the new technology, Bayshore is treating a patient in Thunder Bay, Ontario through the detailed medical assessment provided by a nurse specialist based in Windsor, Ontario.

The technology integrated into the program is provided by MD Matrix of Toronto. The results have been an unmitigated success for all involved, particularly the patient.

The patient in Thunder Bay has been suffering a deep wound that is not healing well and requires the expertise of a wound care specialist. Bayshore’s specialist, nurse Niki Grady (RN, BScN, CAET, MCLSC-WH), is based in Windsor, Ontario, an 800 km. flight from Thunder Bay.

The time and distance required to regularly assess and monitor the patient was impractical. The technology offered by MD Matrix consists of a variety of monitoring equipment including a special high definition camera and secure high speed internet access.

With an RPN on-site in Thunder Bay, Grady was able to assess the patient’s current condition, recommend ongoing treatment and have the local nurse perform treatments instantly, saving further trips to the hospital and allowing the patient greater comfort by staying at home.

“This is an amazing experience that allows me to now reach out across the country and help people,” says Niki Grady, RN, Bayshore HealthCare. “The patient is relieved to get answers, receive treatment right on the spot from the local nurse and receive recommendations to heal the wound.

“Bayshore has moved beyond innovation and creativity and is now into technological success.” Grady reported that the resolution and lighting from the equipment was better than the naked eye in assessing the patient’s wound and determining a course of action.

This new era of home healthcare will enable virtual visits by the most experienced practitioners throughout the country, saving valuable time and the increased time and expense of further hospital visits.

“By serving patients in rural and remote areas with this technology, Bayshore is able to provide an enhanced level of assessment that expedites patient healing and improves their experience,” adds Kim Brooks, director of operations, Bayshore HealthCare. “This offers relief not only to our patients but to the stressed healthcare system.”

The technology, which is Bluetooth enabled, was created by MD Matrix of Toronto. “The possibilities for the healthcare practitioner are endless,” says Dr. Nayyar Razvi (pictured), chief medical officer, MD Matrix. “The model of our virtual exam room can be extended to multiple diseases as well as routine visits that are convenient, accurate and easy with greatly reduced wait times.”

About Bayshore HealthCare
Bayshore HealthCare is one of the country’s leading providers of home and community healthcare services and a Canadian-owned company. Its services are purchased by government care programs, insurance companies, workers’ compensation boards, healthcare organizations, the corporate sector and the public. The Bayshore brand extends across four business divisions: Bayshore Home Health (medical and non-medical home care and staffing services), Bayshore Specialty Rx (specialty pharmacy, infusion and pharmaceutical patient support services), Bayshore Therapy & Rehab (physiotherapy and rehabilitation services) and Bayshore Dialysis (dialysis centers). The company’s goal is to enhance the quality of life, well-being, dignity and independence of Canadians of all ages. Bayshore HealthCare has been a recipient of Canada’s Best Managed Companies award since 2006.