- Community health info system rollout across the WA Country Health Service
- Kimberley rollout begins in May for completion by December 2017
- Provides continuity of care for highly mobile clients
- Made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions
Community health care in rural Western Australia received a major boost today, with the announcement of a $10 million Community Health Information System to better target personal health care.
Health Minister John Day said the contract for the new system had been awarded to Telstra Health and would be funded from the $500 million Southern Inland Health Initiative, made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions.
"The Community Health Information System will provide an electronic clinical record for patients attending WA Country Health Service's community and primary health centres," he said.
"It will help streamline consistent health care across WA, particularly for highly mobile patients and high-risk client groups, and will promote better regional health outcomes."
The Community Health Information System will record information about child health and development including vaccinations, public health, chronic disease management and pharmacy information to deliver community-based clinical services.
Mr Day said the system would first be introduced in the Kimberley this May before being rolled out to the remaining six WA Country Health Service regions.
"The long-term aim is to help close the gap in health outcomes between regional and city residents. An important aspect will be the information system's capacity to monitor clinical and practice reforms and thereby promote continuous improvement," he said.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said Royalties for Regions was investing in significant initiatives to support positive health outcomes in regional WA.
"The Community Health Information System will be an innovative solution that enhances the delivery of health services in regional WA," Mr Redman said.
"Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and growing the regions and this investment will provide tangible, long-lasting benefits to help build sustainable regional communities."
Fact File
- The $10m Community Health Information System investment is part of the Liberal National Government's $500m Southern Inland Health Initiative, made possible by Royalties for Regions and delivered by the WA Country Health Service
- The system will operate in all country areas of WA
- Find out more about Royalties for Regions at https://rfrmap.drd.wa.gov.au
Health Minister's office - 6552 6200
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
