New system to give real-time tracking of ICU beds
A powerful new system linking public and private hospitals will help doctors to track bed and ventilator capacity in real-time during the coronavirus crisis.
HS Coronavirus News
Don't miss out on the headlines from HS Coronavirus News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
All intensive care units will be connected by a powerful new system enabling doctors to track bed and ventilator capacity in real-time during the coronavirus crisis.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Nick Coatsworth will unveil the Critical Health Resource Information System on Thursday, linking public and private hospitals so they can manage capacity for critically ill patients in the event of an outbreak.
“CHRIS will provide a bird’s eye view of every ICU around the country using live data,” Dr Coatsworth said.
“This will allow us to make real-time clinical decisions ensuring critically unwell patients can access the right treatment at the right place at the right time.”
Ambulance Victoria helped develop the system, along with Telstra’s technology services business and the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society.
It comes as the government received more than 3000 new ventilators from manufacturing company ResMed, boosting supplies for hospitals across the country.
Mr Hunt said the CHRIS was an “innovative tool” that would also incorporate paediatric critical care for babies and children.
“This national system will make sure we know where available ICU beds are and that the equipment, including ventilators, the patient needs are in place and ready for a rapid response in the event of future COVID-19 outbreaks,” Mr Hunt said.
“Our doctors, nurses, other health professionals and support staff are doing an outstanding job at a very difficult time and this system will provide them with the ability to respond to peak patient demand in a timely and efficient way will save lives and protect lives.”
The government is now awaiting delivery of another 2500 ventilators from ResMed, along with 2000 machines from a consortium led by Melbourne-based Grey Innovation.
“These additional ventilators will help to ensure we have sufficient supplies to meet the increased demand we expect in coming months,” Mr Hunt said.
MORE NEWS:
WHY WE WONT FOLLOWING ITALY IN EASING RESTRICTIONS