Technology will revolutionise the speed and accuracy of diagnosis at hospitals across the state, and is due to take effect at Ipswich Hospital by the end of this year.
Clinicians will be able to monitor a patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature and heart rate, in real time through advanced technology to be rolled out at Ipswich later this year.
Ipswich Hospital executive director Luke Worth said the new technology would have wide-reaching benefits for West Moreton patients, consumers and staff.
“This technology will allow healthcare professionals to care better together,” Mr Worth said.
“It will give doctors, nurses and allied health professionals the tools to collaborate effectively to deliver better, and safer care for the community.”
Ipswich City Council Economic Development manager Paul Massingham said digital transformation was how Ipswich would continue to advance.
“Ipswich is leading the way, this year being recognised in the top 7 Intelligent Communities in the world. Our Smart City Program is all about finding new ways or working, learning and living,” he said.
“We look forward to West Moreton Health’s use of digital innovation to transform medicine and services to the people of Ipswich.”
Queensland Health’s Chief Information Officer and Chief Executive of eHealth Queensland Dr Richard Ashby said digital hospitals were seeing significant safety and quality gains.
“There are also a number of improvements in administrative duties, meaning clinical records can be retrieved immediately, a patient’s vital signs are recorded instantly and reduced stationery costs,” Dr Ashby said.
“These improvements in quality all translate to more available bed days to meet growing demand and more sustainable cost structure.”
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said by 2020, 27 hospitals across Queensland would be digitised.
There are currently eight hospitals live with four more coming online this year, including Ipswich Hospital.
“Electronic medical records can be accessed in real time by simply scanning a unique bar code on the patient’s identity wristband with a handheld device,” Mr Miles said.
“The rollout of the digital hospital program, including the implementation of the integrated electronic Medical Record (ieMR), is reducing errors, improving patient outcomes, and reducing costs.
“Data analysed from five of Queensland’s digital hospitals has shown an 88 per cent reduction in pressure injuries and a 37 per cent reduction in hospital acquired infections.
“On-the-go monitoring allows clinicians to immediately identify any spikes or dips in a patient’s condition and quickly provide treatment.”
Digital Hospitals currently live:
• Princess Alexandra Hospital
• Mackay Base Hospital
• Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital
• Logan Hospital
• Beaudesert Hospital
• Redland Hospital
• Wynnum Manly Community Health Centre Gundu Pa
• The Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Hospital
Hospitals to go live in 2018:
• Townsville Hospital
• Sunshine Coast University Hospital
• Nambour Hospital
• Ipswich Hospital
Hospitals to go live in 2019:
• Gold Coast University Hospital
• Toowoomba Hospital
• Robina Hospital
Hospitals to go live by 2020:
• Cairns Hospital
• Rockhampton Hospital
• Bundaberg Hospital
• Hervey Bay Hospital
• Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
• The Prince Charles Hospital
• Redcliffe Hospital
• Caboolture Hospital
• Thursday Island Hospital
• Roma Hospital
• Longreach Hospital
• Mount Isa Hospital
