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Veterans plug into
broadband checks
A new broadband-based program that monitors the health of war veterans from their homes has been announced by the Ministers for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, and for Broadband Communications, Senator Stephen Conroy.
Mr Snowdon said the trial program used in-home telemonitoring technology which combined the National Broadband Network (NBN) with chronic care management to benefit many in the veteran community.
“This trial will take advantage of reliable, high-speed and high-capacity broadband capability to change the way health services are delivered to the veteran community and allow veterans to access high-quality health care from home,” Mr Snowdon said.
| Telemonitoring trial for NBN |
“Vital statistics will be monitored from home and veterans will also have access to high definition video consultations with their GP or nurse coordinator when required.”
He said that would ensure their health could be observed, any irregularities could be identified and appropriate GP intervention could be provided in a timely manner.
Mr Snowdon said around 300 veterans were to participate in the trial in the NBN-connected areas of Toowoomba in Queensland, Coffs Harbour and Armidale in New South Wales, Mandurah and Geraldton in Western Australia and Kingston Beach in Tasmania.
He said it would start in July 2012.
“Overseas experience has shown that telemonitoring can have significant health benefits for those involved, including more responsive management of chronic conditions,” he said.
Senator Conroy said the trial was an example of the opportunities enabled by the NBN and contributed to a vision for Australia as a world leading digital economy by 2020.
“The NBN is the platform that will connect veterans and their health care teams, providing an avenue for care that is ideally suited to many people within our veteran community,” Senator Conroy said.
He said more information about the new project was available at this PS News link.
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