May 7, 2025On Friday 2 May, Northern Health’s Victorian Virtual Specialist Consults (VVSC) leadership team was delighted to receive the Value-Based Healthcare Award (VBHC) for Innovation at the 2025 VBHC Congress.
Chosen amongst 80 nominations across the country, the award recognises VVSC’s transformative approach to improving access to specialist expertise across the state. VBHC aims to improve the value of care, meaning better health outcomes for patients at a lower or sustainable cost.
The 2025 VBHC Congress held in Melbourne highlighted the transformation required to improve not only patient outcomes but also the sustainability of the Australian health system. As part of the Congress, the VBHC awards aimed to recognise achievements made in redefining healthcare delivery to people and communities.
The VVSC is a first of its kind service in Australia, utilising video co-consultation with community providers to provide timely and equitable access to specialist expertise across the state.
“VVSC replicates the ‘corridor consult’ that hospital providers leverage when advice is needed,” says Joanna Lawrence, Director of VVSC.
“It is transformative, enabling patients to receive care when and where they need it, rather than when it is available.”
The Innovation award acknowledges the work VVSC does to provide specialist care differently.
“The collaborative consultation model supports Victoria’s community and rural-based workforce with partnership development and upskilling to keep patients in their own communities,” says Morgan Rayner, GP Engagement Lead and Physician in VVSC.
VVSC now offers over 28 different specialties across almost 50 clinical sessions per week. More information is available at vvsc.org.au.
Featured image L-R: Kylie Woolcock, Chief Executive Officer of AHHA (Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association), Cassie Bramston, Director Operations, VVSC, Dr Joanna Lawrence, VVSC Director, Melissa Sweet Editor-in-Chief Croakey Health Media, and Dr Morgan Rayner GP Engagement Lead VVSC.
