Through the new partnership, veterans will have access to Philips centralised ‘eICU’, through which specially trained physicians and nurses can monitor patients in the ICU, without the patient having to be physically present. As the VA manages 1,800 ICU beds nationwide, the partnership gives patients access to specialists, and helps VA optimise care costs, enhance clinician and patient satisfaction, and improve healthcare outcomes.

The ten-year contract enables VA to invest up to US$100 million with Philips for tele-critical care technology and services. “This is particularly critical to provide Veterans access to quality health care when and where they need it and for improving their health outcomes,” said Robert Wilkie, US Secretary of VA.

“Philips is committed to improving the lives of three billion people a year by 2030 and is working closely with VA to support one of our most important initiatives: improving the health of our service men and women,” said Vitor Rocha, Chief Market Leader for Philips North America. “By connecting advanced telehealth technologies, clinical data, as well as clinicians, patients and their families, Philips can help VA make virtual care a reality and deliver quality healthcare for one of our most deserving communities: our nation’s veterans.”