The aged and palliative care sectors have welcomed the federal government's new telehealth pilot program, which will allow more Australians to receive the care they need at home. A media release by Palliative Care Australia (PCA) says that the new program will utilise the National Broadband Network to deliver high-quality services to the homes of older Australians, people with cancer and individuals requiring palliative care.

"It is great to see such an innovative approach to providing healthcare for these vulnerable people," says Yvonne Luxford, PCA chief executive officer.  "The fact that the pilot has chosen to focus on these groups is evidence of the government’s recognition that our health system is not adequately addressing the needs of older Australians and those requiring palliative care, and that we need to look at new ways of delivering health services."

Recent research by the PCA shows that most people want to remain at home at the end of life. To do this, however, they require sufficient access to health professionals, pain and symptom management, and appropriate care to avoid hospitalisation. The telehealth program will also help improve equity of access to such care to all Australians, including those living in rural and remote areas.

"We are well aware of the issues facing us in the near future – an ageing population, a declining workforce and an overburdened hospital system. Innovative solutions, such as the teleheath project, are essential to deliver high-quality health services to all Australians when are where they need it," says Dr. Luxford.