Telehealth project boosts home-based care for Ipswich patients

Ipswich patients are benefiting from specialist appointments and consultations in their own homes under a new Telehealth program launched today by Health Minister Stephen Robertson.

Mr Robertson launched the Tunstall Telehealth Lifestyle Coordination (TLC) Project with State Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt and State Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan.

“World-wide environmental factors, including an ageing population and staff shortages, are placing enormous pressure on health systems to deliver more for less,” Mr Robertson said.

“This project shows how health service providers and the community are using innovative approaches to rise to these challenges.

“The Tunstall TLC Project is a home monitoring Telehealth system which allows the patient to capture their vital signs and have the data monitored by the appropriate specialist.

“The benefit of Telehealth services lies in removing physical and social distances between health professionals and patients without affecting the quality of care provided.”

Mr Wendt said Telehealth services meant less disruption for older patients and less travel for regional patients.

“It means patients can access specialist outpatient services in their own homes, eliminating the time and expense of travelling to hospitals and specialist clinics,” he said.

“This is particularly important in the Ipswich region, which like the rest of Queensland, faces an increased burden of chronic disease.

“These patients need regular monitoring and ongoing support to effectively treat their chronic conditions.”

Ms Nolan said the Tunstall TLC Project meant safer, more effective and more integrated health services for local patients.

”It offers increased capacity to support acute clinical services for regional Queenslanders, particularly in the fields of emergency retrieval, geriatrics, cancer, and diabetes,” she said.

Mr Robertson said Queensland Health was spending $2.1 million a year on one of the biggest managed Telehealth networks in the world, but would continue to look for new ways to enhance its existing services.

“This project is an approach we can learn from to deliver Queenslanders improved and expanded health services.”

ENDS

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680