As debate continues to grow around the implementation of the National Broadband Network and how it will be adopted by businesses and individuals, a not-for-profit organisation is leading the way in demonstrating how high-speed broadband can benefit regional Australians.
At a health conference in Hobart, Tasmania today, Church Resources released its new IT Time Magazine, which features pilot phase case studies from its ConnectCare program, a groundbreaking, collaborative initiative helping small, medium and regionally-based not-for-profit aged care facilities improve their level of care provided to residents. The case studies and magazine articles demonstrate how enhancements to organisational efficiency can be achieved through fast broadband and IT.
Launched in December 2008, the ConnectCare program involves 11 industry and not-for-profit organisations working together to provide affordable clinical, financial and communication software applications, delivered over high-speed broadband to small, medium and regional not-for-profit nursing homes. The first phase of implementation includes a fully managed service comprising such features as business grade broadband, wireless capabilities, video-conferencing and time savers such as asset tagging to allow staff to quickly locate critical equipment like lifters for residents who have fallen.
“Outside of increased funding, broadband and IT present the biggest opportunity to make a substantial difference to the quality of life for residents within aged care facilities,” said Con Koulouris, ICT Director at Church Resources. “Church Resources is committed to developing and implementing projects which are enabled by broadband technology and assisting facilities to get access to technology that has until now been restricted to larger, for-profit organisations.
A ConnectCare pilot project is currently underway across four facilities, and is due for completion at the end of 2009.
“Our pilot programs are already proving the significant value that high-speed broadband can bring to health and aged care facilities,” said Koulouris. “The results are already reflecting the promise of the NBN which will provide greater access to high-speed broadband in many remote areas of Australia, and allow ConnectCare to reach more aged care facilities. That’s what we are working towards.”
Tim Allsopp, CEO of Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged, gives an update in IT Time Magazine on the progress of the ConnectCare pilot at his facility, located south of Coffs Harbour. Allsopp said, “IT implementations are notoriously difficult and using an affordable managed IT service designed for our needs means we don’t need to negotiate with multiple suppliers on applications and technology, which is certainly not our specialty, and leaves us more time to spend caring for our residents. Using an ethical and reliable organisation like Church Resources to do this on our behalf, ensures we get the best deal possible.”
In addition to offering important procedural and administrative efficiencies for the aged care facility staff and management, ConnectCare, enabled by high speed broadband, is already making a difference to the lives of aged care residents. The launch of a virtual visiting program, which allows residents to connect with their family and friends living in other locations, has immediately improved the spirit and quality of life of participating residents.
Stephen Richards, CEO for Autumn Lodge Nursing Home, a pilot site in Macksville, said “Last week, we conducted a video conference call between resident, Bill White and his grandson Brian, in Perth. They are very close and Brian is keen to have regular contact. Our staff shed a few happy tears at the sight of Bill chatting to Brian, because we know how beneficial it is for Bill to have that interaction. It is very exciting and we are currently setting up more video links for people living at Autumn Lodge to chat with their families.”
IT Time Magazine is a new publication by Church Resources, aimed at sharing knowledge and helping educate aged care facilities that are in need of support and guidance with the use of technology in the provision of frontline aged care services. Highlights within the publication include case study updates on the ConnectCare project as well as other facilities’ use of broadband technologies to enhance the level of care for their residents.
Luke Kenny, CEO of Church Resources said, “Our role is to communicate the value of collaborative supplier partnerships to leverage the buying power, expertise and knowledge of church and not-for-profit organisations. We partner with some of Australia’s leading organisations, to help their members in both metropolitan and regional centres to increase the value and enhance the quality of services to Australian communities.”
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Highspeed Broadband - Changing work/lives in rural Australia
Wednesday, 19 August 2009, 7:45 (EST)
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