General practitioners across Orange and surrounding areas are being encouraged to refer patients with memory or cognitive concerns to the Hybrid Virtual Memory Clinic (hVMC), an innovative specialist service funded by the Medical Research future Fund, which is designed to improve access to timely dementia assessment for regional Australia.
The hVMC, led by Professor Sharon Naismith and the University of Sydney in partnership with Western NSW Local Health District, combines locally delivered assessments with specialist consultations via telehealth. The model enables patients to receive timely expert multidisciplinary assessment while remaining connected to their local healthcare team. The hVMC complements existing Geriatric Medicine services delivered by Western NSW LHD with support from Sydney LHD.
Early assessment can identify potentially reversible causes of cognitive impairment, provide diagnostic clarity, and connect patients and their families with secondary prevention strategies, appropriate treatment and support and future care planning.
Professor Sharon Naismith, lead investigator of the hVMC, said GPs play a critical role in recognising early cognitive change and facilitating timely access to specialist assessment.
“General practitioners are often the first healthcare professionals to recognise changes in memory or thinking and play a vital role in ensuring patients receive timely assessment,” Professor Naismith said.
“The Hybrid Virtual Memory Clinic has been developed to support regional GPs by improving access to specialist services without the long wait. Our team works collaboratively with local clinicians, providing comprehensive assessment and management recommendations while ensuring ongoing care remains with the patient’s usual healthcare providers.”
Patients complete participate in specialist consultations via telehealth. Following assessment, referring GPs receive a comprehensive report outlining the diagnosis, management recommendations and suggested follow-up.
The hVMC is suitable for patients with cognitive or memory concerns where specialist assessment is indicated. Referrals are welcomed from general practitioners across Orange NSW and surrounding areas.
As the hVMC is a research-funded initiative, intake will close in March 2027. GPs are encouraged to refer eligible patients while intake remains open.
The hVMC welcomes e-Referrals from GPs and specialists or referrals can be sent to: WNSWLHD-ACAC@health.nsw.gov.au
