A new 10-year strategy for using more digital technologies in the ACT’s health system and a dedicated app have been unveiled by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris.
Part of ACT Health’s Digital Health Strategy 2019-2029, the shift to digital is expected to help improve efficiency, safety and patient outcomes.
Ms Fitzharris said the strategy mapped out a clear pathway for the health system in the digital age, and included a range of new technologies for doctors, nurses and patients.
“The Digital Health Strategy will ensure the ACT public health system is able to adapt as new digital technologies are made available to improve health services and clinical care,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“This strategy is about getting ahead of the game and enabling a seamless integration of new technologies and advances in health care,” she said.
“This is a strategy that gives patients, clinicians and health care managers peace of mind.”
She said one practical example of the strategy was the ACT Health mobile app now available for all Canberrans.
“This app will help people to access details on all ACT Emergency Departments and Walk-in Centres, providing regularly updated information about average waiting times, the number of people waiting and providing an interactive map for travel times and directions,” the Minister said.
“This app is designed to give people timely information to make timely decisions for their health care needs, putting them at the centre of their health care,” she said.
The 35-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link and the app can be downloaded from the App Store under the title ‘ACT Health’.
