AU$2m broadband plan to help chronically sick

The latest award has been made under the government's Clever Networks program, to create a AU$2 million broadband network for chronic disease management.

The CDM-Net network, which will be built by Precedence Health Care, will connect medical staff and their chronically ill patients, to allow them to transfer case notes and other materials securely over a broadband connection.

Patients will also be able to tap into CDM-Net and will be helped to manage their care plans through a system of electronic alerts and reminders.

The network, which can potentially be accessed by both public and private healthcare bodies, will be rolled out first in Barwon South Western region of Victoria. According to Communications Minister Helen Coonan, if the system proves successful it could be deployed across the state or even nationwide.

"People suffering from chronic disease need to be provided with a care plan, detailing medications, treatments, tests, and referrals tailored to their specific circumstances, and CDM-Net will facilitate that," Coonan said.

The AU$113 million Clever Networks scheme is designed to boost the delivery of public services in rural and regional areas.

Other successful applicants for Clever Networks funding include medical staff in the Greater Southern Region, who received a AU$4 million grant to enable a remote diagnosis system.