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Chronic Healthcare Transformed in Mildura

From the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Media release, 8 January 2008

Medical care in Mildura has been transformed thanks to a broadband-based technology that is helping hospital patients monitor and manage their health in the comfort of their own homes, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Theo Theophanous, said today.

Mr Theophanous said the Connecting Clients to Care project had introduced Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) to Mildura, enabling patients to receive essential medical treatment from home.

"Remote Patient Monitoring technology allows patients with chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and diabetes to be monitored and cared for at home," Mr Theophanous said.

"As a result of RPM and the Brumby Government's commitment to investing in technology for regional Victoria, patients don't have to experience the hardship of leaving their families and communities, but can instead receive treatment in the comfort of their homes.

"The Mildura Base Hospital is able to provide a broader range of care via RPM and by self-monitoring at home, patients can gain confidence in managing their illness and reduce hospital travel and stays, which translates into more time with their loved ones at home.

"Patients can take their own blood pressure, heart rate, single lead ECG, temperature, blood oxygen levels, lung capacity, weight and glucose levels, and enter their data into the Patient Monitoring System, where it is stored and uploaded overnight for a care coordinator to check the next day."

Currently, 73 regional Victorians are using RPM technology across five healthcare facilities in the Loddon Mallee region – Mildura Base Hospital, Mildura's Sunraysia Community Health, Maryborough District Health Service, Kyabram District Health Service and Mallee Track Health and Community Service in Ouyen.

Mr Theophanous saw first-hand how the technology was improving the lives of Mildura residents Peter and Wilma Hubble during a visit to their home today.

"Having this technology available in Mildura has enabled Peter to monitor his high blood pressure and chronic lung condition from home, which has meant he can continue to care for his wife Wilma rather than endure the costs and inconvenience of hospital stays and organising alternate care," he said.

"This is a great example of how the Brumby Government's investment in technology is helping keep families together by keeping them connected to essential services within their own communities.

The Brumby Government contributed $1.57 million to the CC2C project from its Broadband Innovation Fund. A total of $15 million over three years has been allocated from the Science, Technology and Innovation Initiative to encourage innovative use of broadband in delivering key government services such as health, education, primary industries and the environment.

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