Big Care in a Small Space: NSW’s First Virtual Care Pod to Launch in Tenterfield

Tenterfield will soon be home to a first-of-its-kind virtual care pod in New South Wales, delivering bulk-billed psychology services to the community without the need to travel out of town.

Funded through the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network’s (HNECC PHN) Small Town Engagement Model (STEM) grants, the Tenterfield Virtual Care Pod is a rural health innovation aimed at improving access to timely and confidential mental health support.

The pod is located at EP Health Centre, 11 Riley Street and offers private, video-based consultations with qualified psychologists through provider HealthBright. Appointments are bulk billed and typically available within 24-48 hours. The service is open to individuals aged 14 and above and is available for both one-off and ongoing care.

“This initiative is about removing barriers to mental health support in small towns,” said Dr Alison Koschel, Executive Manager Primary Care Workforce and Access. “It brings care closer to home and helps us understand how virtual models can work in rural communities.”

Patients can access the service with a GP referral and mental health treatment plan.

This pilot project is a partnership between the HNECC PHN, HealthBright, CareZen and EP Health Centre, and will be evaluated to assess its suitability for expansion to other rural communities across the HNECC PHN region.