The Fraser Health Virtual Care call centre was launched in 2020 to allow people in our region to connect remotely with a registered nurse about their health concerns through telephone, video or web chat. Since then, the Fraser Health Virtual Care Team has helped more than 245,000 patients, and counting, with their health care needs.
As demand for virtual health care services continues to rise, the team has recently expanded to include a virtual registered dietitian. The virtual dietitian provides timely nutrition and health advice and connects people in our region with the appropriate community resources.
“Integrating a registered dietitian into our virtual care team is an exciting step forward in being able to provide more well-rounded care to our patients,” says Sonia Jose, special projects lead, Virtual Health Clinical Operations. “This new role will enable us to provide personalized nutrition guidance and help people in Fraser Health meet their health goals with support right from the comfort of their homes.”
The registered dietitian also plays a key role in supporting patients with their transition home after being discharged from hospital. Patients at high risk of readmission to hospital are automatically called by Fraser Health nurses within 48 hours of leaving the hospital. Patients can then be referred to the virtual registered dietitian, if desired, to help reduce risk of nutrition-related complications and additional hospital visits.
“I am excited to be taking on this important role to help people in our region have better access to nutrition support especially as it relates to patients leaving the hospital,” says Sonella Ramanaden, registered dietitian, Virtual Care. ”Malnutrition is extremely prevalent upon admission to hospital and I believe combining this service with the support patients receive in hospital will help them have better continuity of care and nutrition support once they get home.”
The virtual registered dietitian provides:
- Improved access to care from a registered dietitian.
- Individual nutritional assessments to meet individual needs and goals.
- Medical nutrition therapy, advice and education.
- Post discharge support for nutrition-related concerns.
- Connections to the appropriate community dietitian or resource.
How do I connect with the Fraser Health Virtual Care dietitian?
Call 1-800-314-0999 and ask to speak to the dietitian.
Who can call?
Anyone with a nutrition question or concern.
Learn more about Fraser Health Virtual Care.