Victoria invests in new centre supporting digital health innovators

The Victorian government has invested A$2.4 million ($1.6 million) to establish a centre for supporting digital health innovators.

The Victorian Connected Health Innovation and Commercialisation Centre will support up to 500 local companies each year by connecting them with healthcare professionals, investors, and other innovators who can assist in fast-tracking the development of their new digital health products.

It is funded through the state's Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and Biotechnology Fund and is being delivered by digital health accelerator ANDHealth. 

Programme to support clinical entrepreneurs launched in WA

A new programme to support clinical entrepreneurs has been launched in Western Australia.

According to a media release, the Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program will equip healthcare professionals with the skills to translate their ideas into products and businesses that enhance patient care.

The 12-month programme is being administered by the University of Western Australia and the University of Melbourne in collaboration with healthcare industry partners.

This new entrepreneurship programme is backed by funding from the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund and the Medical Research Future Fund of the federal government.

New Zealand to set up clinical, consumer council for data and digital 

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand is putting up a national clinical and consumer health design council for data and digital. 

According to a news report, the council will advise on clinical data and digital projects being planned and implemented across the country. 

There are about 470 clinician system-related projects in the pipeline across New Zealand, said Stuart Bloomfield, interim chief for data and digital at Te Whatu Ora. He stressed the importance of listening to and engaging clinical staff and consumers in the design and development of digital tools. 

Ambulance Victoria onboards My Emergency Doctor to its Secondary Triage service

Telehealth provider My Emergency Doctor has tied up with the Tasmanian government to support its Secondary Triage service by providing an alternative healthcare pathway for those seeking emergency care consultations.

Since launching the service in February last year, Ambulance Tasmania has seen increasing demand from people who are dialling triple zero but are not needing an emergency ambulance response. 

Through this latest partnership, calls from patients who are not needing emergency care will be transferred to an emergency specialist from MED for direct assessment. They will be provided with medical advice, prescriptions and assistance with emergency escalations if needed.

$1.5M project to install new CT scanner in Torres Strait

The Queensland government has announced a A$2.14 million ($1.45 million) project to install a new CT scanner at Thursday Island Hospital early next year. 

"We know how important it is for First Nations communities to receive health care as close to home as possible. Once this machine is installed, people living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area will no longer have to travel to Cairns for CT scans," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement

The said CT scanner will be installed in the medical imaging department, which is being enhanced as part of the hospital's ongoing redevelopment. Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said they are currently procuring the scanner unit and a consulting team to operate it.

Aged care vacancies up on Eldernet

Up-to-date vacancy numbers for residential care beds can now be accessed through the website of The Eldernet Group.

Te Whatu Ora Taranaki has partnered with the elderly information services provider to provide the free service, which would help free up clerical work for the region's health staff. 

Aside from bed vacancies, the Eldernet website now also shows the levels of care each rest home offers and homes that offer short stays.