Dr LIM - 1995-08-15
What is the situation with the development of telemedicine link-ups at Royal Darwin Hospital?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I believe the potential uses of telemedicine are enormous. In the last election campaign, the CLP's platform documents referred to that potential. There have been a number of recent developments. One is an examination of the feasibility of Royal Adelaide Hospital linking up with Royal Darwin Hospital for interactive oncology assessments. In the main, although not exclusively, those assessments relate to cancer patients. Also being looked at is a recent trial by our radiologist for laser camera tele-radiology links between a local CT scanner and Adelaide. On the local scene, there is a proposal for testing dry plate or filmless X-ray transfer from Katherine to Darwin.
The obvious benefits for the patient are the minimisation of the cost and trauma of having to fly interstate, away from family and friends. I am sure that these same principles will apply to some of our bush communities. In terms of diagnosis at least, much can be done to avoid the cost and trauma of bringing people into a major centre for assistance. To that extent, I believe the future holds enormous positive potential. Other benefits include enhancing the skills of local medical staff, whether they be at Royal Darwin Hospital or one of our other
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hospitals, in terms of access to specialist services interstate. Again, if it happens to be one of our bush doctors or nursing people, they will be readily able to use today's technology to access expert advice from a more central point.
The Territory is at the forefront in this most exciting area. I commend all of those who are exploring potential applications, and I think we will hear much more about this technology, particularly in terms of ways it may be applied for use in the bush.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I believe the potential uses of telemedicine are enormous. In the last election campaign, the CLP's platform documents referred to that potential. There have been a number of recent developments. One is an examination of the feasibility of Royal Adelaide Hospital linking up with Royal Darwin Hospital for interactive oncology assessments. In the main, although not exclusively, those assessments relate to cancer patients. Also being looked at is a recent trial by our radiologist for laser camera tele-radiology links between a local CT scanner and Adelaide. On the local scene, there is a proposal for testing dry plate or filmless X-ray transfer from Katherine to Darwin.
The obvious benefits for the patient are the minimisation of the cost and trauma of having to fly interstate, away from family and friends. I am sure that these same principles will apply to some of our bush communities. In terms of diagnosis at least, much can be done to avoid the cost and trauma of bringing people into a major centre for assistance. To that extent, I believe the future holds enormous positive potential. Other benefits include enhancing the skills of local medical staff, whether they be at Royal Darwin Hospital or one of our other
Page 692
hospitals, in terms of access to specialist services interstate. Again, if it happens to be one of our bush doctors or nursing people, they will be readily able to use today's technology to access expert advice from a more central point.
The Territory is at the forefront in this most exciting area. I commend all of those who are exploring potential applications, and I think we will hear much more about this technology, particularly in terms of ways it may be applied for use in the bush.
Page 693
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016