Sedgwick, a global provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits and integrated business solutions, has entered the workforce absence management space in Australia with the acquisition of Direct Health Solutions (DHS), a specialist provider of employer-based telehealth solutions.
Founded in 2004, DHS was the first company in Australia to introduce a nurse-led telehealth absence management service; it later developed an injury triage service and medical advice line. It is a go-to organization in Australia for early intervention injury and incident management, outsourced absence management, and medical services spanning pre-employment assessments and COVID-19 management services.
In addition, the company operates a 24/7 telehealth nurse contact centre providing medical triage and management advice, as well as referrals to an extensive preferred network of occupationally trained allied health professionals and medical practitioners.
The deal will see Sedgwick, which claims to be the world’s largest provider of workforce absence solutions, enter the absence management space in Australia and expand its global productivity and benefit offerings – complementing its developing injury management, employee productivity, and workers' compensation solutions in the country. It will also give DHS customers, including some of Australia's largest corporations, access to Sedgwick's global resources and expertise.
DHS founder Paul Dundon highlighted the DHS team's nearly two decades of commitment to “developing the best absence and injury management resources and technology platforms in Australia.”
Going forward, the company will “have the opportunity to expand our reach and continue caring for people when they need it most,” he said. “The future is bright for DHS and Sedgwick, and I am truly excited for all that we will accomplish together.”
Sedgwick Australia CEO Diego Ascani stated: “DHS helps companies manage employee leave and absence with care and empathy, which aligns naturally with Sedgwick's mission to take care of people in their time of need and help clients navigate these processes with ease.
“DHS is a market leader in this space, with a best-in-class reputation, expertise in the nuances of absence management guidelines in Australia and thoughtfully developed tech solutions. We very much look forward to uniting our teams in order to further support our clients and customers.”
