Can Cameras at the Bedside Transform Care?

NSW hospitals begin real-time telehealth rollout linking clinicians with specialists nationwide

17 Oct 2025

Hospitals across New South Wales are preparing to enter a new phase of digital care as real-time telehealth systems link local clinicians with specialist networks nationwide. The initiative, led by Northern Beaches Hospital in Sydney, will enable secure, high-definition consultations between bedside teams and remote experts through new over-bed camera technology.

The hospital will soon connect with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, allowing pediatric specialists to observe patients remotely and advise in real time. Officials said the system is designed to support faster diagnoses, guide on-site staff during emergencies, and improve overall coordination of care. Industry observers described the rollout as a step toward a more integrated and equitable health system.

“This kind of real-time link can bridge the gap between community hospitals and specialist centers,” said a spokesperson from eHealth NSW, the state agency overseeing digital health integration. “It means expertise can reach the bedside instantly, no matter where patients are.”

The move comes amid growing strain on Australia’s healthcare system, where rising demand and workforce shortages have placed pressure on hospitals. By embedding teleconsultation tools into emergency and intensive care units, NSW Health aims to reduce delays in specialist input and minimize unnecessary patient transfers. Analysts suggest the shift could streamline critical care and strengthen connections between urban and regional facilities.

Experts note that Australia’s efforts reflect broader regional trends. Across the Asia Pacific, telehealth is evolving from a remote-care option into a central component of acute and emergency medicine. “Hospitals are realizing that digital care isn’t just efficient, it’s equitable,” said health policy analyst Dr. Mia Lander. “When a rural doctor can connect with a city specialist in seconds, that’s transformative.”

Privacy protections, staff training, and consistent service quality remain key challenges, but officials say adoption is accelerating. As of August 2025, NSW Health reported that cameras were being installed across selected hospitals, with full activation expected in the coming weeks. The program, part of the state’s broader digital health expansion, could shape how hospitals deliver critical care in years to come.