Community Health and Care News


Posted: Thursday 22 April 2010


ROYAL DISTRICT NURSING SERVICE SA – INNOVATION IN THE CARE OF OLDER AUSTRALIANS

Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, visited the Royal District Nursing Service of South Australia in Adelaide today to inspect their award-winning information technology system that is helping provide better support for older South Australians.


The Royal District Nursing Service of South Australia (RDNS SA) received the award for ‘Innovation in Information Technology’ for their use of technology to assist in the delivery of community care services as part of the 2009 Minister’s Award for Excellence in Aged Care. RDNS SA provides community based health and care services.


RDNS SA developed a mobile IT system which is accessible via a technology which is similar to a hand held computer. It is used to assist RDNS SA staff to view and manage appointment schedules, client demographic and clinical details, order medical supplies and enter activity data at the point of care.


This has allowed RDNS SA to generate efficiencies, allowing more time to be spent providing care, reducing waiting times for clients, reducing the cost of care and improving communication.


Minister Elliot said: “This innovative use of technology by the Royal District Nursing Service South Australia has resulted in freeing up time so that more time can be spent caring for clients and better business outcomes for the nursing service.”


Minister Elliot said: “We have first class aged care services in Australia. The innovation and dedication of aged care providers and their employees as they seek new, innovative and creative ways to provide even better care is commended.


“People tell me that as they age they want to remain in their own homes and communities, close to their families and friends. Community care services such as those provided by the Royal District Nursing Service of SA provide the practical assistance that helps older people retain that independence.


Through the National Health and Hospitals Network the Government is determined to get the health and aged care systems working together to provide better health and care to older Australians.


Australia has an ageing population and there will be increased demand for aged care services in the future. The Government’s aged care reforms are aimed at building a nationally consistent aged care system that enables older Australians to move seamlessly from basic help at home to high level residential care as their needs change.


Media Contact: Kathryn Conroy – 0448 249 447