NEW HOME TELECARE TECHNOLOGY TO HELP CHRONICALLY ILL

The Federal Minister for Health, Senator Kay Patterson, will this week launch a world-class home telecare system that allows chronically ill patients to be monitored in their own home.

The Centre for Health Informatics (CHI) at the University of New South Wales, which has developed the innovative technology, says the system will help relieve pressure on Australia's health system.

"Medical treatment for chronic disease accounts for more than 60% of all health care costs. This means that demand for health services will increase dramatically as the proportion of the population aged over 65 increases," says CHI director, Professor Branko Celler.

"The fully integrated system would also be of great benefit to patients in rural and regional communities."

According to Professor Celler, the technology developed by the Centre -- a collaborative venture of the faculties of engineering and medicine -- makes home care a viable option for people with illnesses such as heart and lung disease.

"The home telecare work station allows patients to monitor their ECG, weight, blood pressure, lung function, and body temperature and transmit that information over the internet to their doctor. Patients can also manage their medication and access health information over the web."

CHI has successfully tested the system in Sydney and Wagga Wagga, with funding assistance from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. All patients found the system very easy to use, with one patient commenting: "I can see when my lung function has dropped or how I am faring blood pressure wise. I am on blood pressure tablets, so it works well for me."

What: Federal Health Minister, Senator Kay Patterson, launches Home Telecare system
When: 10.30am, Friday 30 August 2002
Where: The Scientia, UNSW Kensington Campus (enter via Gate 14 Barker Street)

Contact: Professor Branko Celler, tel. 9385 4009 / 0418 228 297 or Denise Knight, UNSW Public Affairs & Development, tel. 9385 3192 / 0405 207 685.