Leader in remote health

Gains made by remote patient monitoring in Gippsland has been recognised nationally.
A Federal Government Productivity Commission report has highlighted the benefits Gippsland Primary Health Network has realised for patients by leveraging digital technology.

GPHN introduced digital innovations in remote care in 2020 using a mobile based application called Lifeguard to monitor patients with COVID and has since extended the service for those with chronic diseases.
Start up funding was provided to general practices to introduce Lifeguard and has been taken up for 12 practices and 51 healthcare providers.
The most common conditions being monitored include hypertension, type two 2 diabetes, depression and asthma.
GPHN chief executive Amanda Proposch said remote patient monitoring was just one piece of broader use of digital technology that is transforming healthcare.
It is particularly important in regional and remote communities where access to health services could be difficult, she said.
Ms Proposch said recognition by the Productivity Commission report confirmed the work digital health services gave greater access and support to care, can be highly cost effective, reduce hospitalisations and improve health outcomes.
The commission's study found that better integration of digital technology into everyday practice could ease pressures on the healthcare system and save about $5 billion a year.
Ms Proposch said she was excited about potential future benefits to health professionals and consumers in terms of dealing with workforce challenges, an ageing population and chronic disease.