Public health services across the Hume region have taken a major step forward in digitally enabling patient care by successfully implementing a shared Access and Flow platform with Remote Patient Monitoring capability.
Led by the Hume Rural Health Alliance (HRHA) and the Hume Local Health Service Network (Hume Network), and delivered in partnership with 13 Hume public health services, the Access and Flow platform enables real-time visibility of patient flow and bed capacity across the region – the first Victorian local health service network to do so – to move patients out of busy waiting rooms and closer to home.
While the successful rollout of the Access and Flow platform and Remote Patient Monitoring capability represents a significant milestone, it also highlights the next critical step in the region’s digital journey.
An Electronic Medical Record system will connect patient information across the region giving clinicians timely access and enable innovation in care delivery models supporting more seamless, end-to-end care across hospital, community and homebased settings.
In September 2024, the Victorian Department of Health granted funding to HRHA, to enable planning and preparation for an Electronic Medical Record system. This work is well underway and HRHA continues to work with the Department of Health to seek funding for implementation of this much needed system.
QUOTE – Libby Fifis, Chief Executive of Northeast Health Wangaratta and Deputy Chair Hume Local Health Service Network
“This is a significant step forward for patient care across the region and a really important milestone for our region and for the patients we care for. Having shared visibility across services means we can better coordinate care, reduce delays and ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This is a strong step toward a more connected health system. An Electronic Medical Record will be key to building on this progress and delivering more seamless, end-to-end care for our community.”
QUOTE – Andrew Freeman, Executive Director Hume Local Health Service Network
“I’m incredibly proud that the Hume Local Health Service Network is the first in Victoria to deliver this kind of Network‑wide Access and Flow and Remote Patient Monitoring initiative. It shows what’s possible when health services work together with a shared goal.”
QUOTE – Neelu Kaur, Chief Information Officer, Hume Rural Health Alliance
“The implementation of the Access and Flow platform with Remote Patient Monitoring capability is testimony to our member health services’ commitment to reduce the digital divide experienced in regional / rural communities and maximise value in a tight fiscal environment. The Hume Local Health Service Network has a shared vision of a fully integrated digital health ecosystem – an Electronic Medical Record system is a much-needed critical next step.”
Background information:
The Hume Local Health Service Network (Hume Network) consists of 12 public health services, including: Albury Wodonga Health, Alpine Health, Beechworth Health Service, Benalla Health, Corryong Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Kyabram District Health Service, Mansfield District Hospital, NCN Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Tallangatta Health Service and Yarrawonga Health.
The Hume Rural Health Alliance (HRHA) is responsible for the provision of Digital, Information and Communication Technology shared services across the Hume Network, plus Alexandra District Health, Seymour Health and Yea and District Memorial Hospital.