Community Health and Care News


Posted: Friday 8 January 2010


Federal Minister for Health & Aging praises the RDNS. From the ministers media release on "New Equipment Boosts Breast Screening in South Australia"

New state-of-the-art digital imaging equipment will soon be introduced at BreastScreen Australia services in South Australia as part of a $120 million national upgrade funded by the Rudd Government.


New digital equipment will be available at BreastScreen South Australia’s Frome Road site within months, following approval for priority funding of $930,000. The Frome Road upgrade is part of 13 priority projects totalling $10 million to receive funding this financial year.


The Rudd Government is determined to reduce the toll cancer imposes on Australians. This commitment of $120 million to upgrade BreastScreen equipment is one component of the broader $1.3 billion National Cancer Statement announced in the 2009-10 Budget.


As well as new mammography equipment, the digital upgrade program will allow electronic transfer of mammography images between services, and the time taken for images to be sent from remote locations to major cities for analysis will be reduced. The upgrade will also enable radiologists to electronically manipulate and magnify the mammography images for the first time.


Minister Roxon and Member for Adelaide, Kate Ellis made the announcement at the latest consultation in the Rudd Governments community meetings to discuss improving the health care system.


The consultation was held at the Glenside call centre of the Royal District Nursing Service of SA, where Minister Roxon outlined the essential elements of the Australian Government’s reform options and took feedback from Adelaide’s community and primary health professionals.


The consultation at Glenside was the 84th across the country to road-test the National Health and Hospital Reform Commissions proposed reforms.


The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission report made recommendations for system-wide changes to Australian health care.


Minister Roxon also toured the Royal District Nursing Service’ virtual hospital – where the service delivers 24 hour, 7-day specialist care throughout the community via health-related telephony and telehealth services - linking hospitals, general practitioners, aged care facilities and health care agencies


"I congratulate the Royal District Nursing Service of SA on its 115 years as a community-based health care provider and as a leader in health care provided in people's own homes - and over the phone".


All Australians are also able to contribute to the national debate on our health system via the yourHealth.gov.au website – and full copies of the reports can be found there.


Media Contact: Minister Roxon’s Office 02 6277 7220