A new wi-fi service has been introduced at Cootamundra Hospital, enabling patients and guests to stay connected with friends and family, access entertainment and manage their everyday lives.
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The Murrumbidgee Local Health District has introduced the service to 28 facilities in its area, free of charge but with a paid option better for activities needing fast download, such as gaming or Netflix.
In the first month of implementation, more than 200 patients and guests took advantage of the service, with most using it for video communication such as Skype, streaming music and videos and social media. All appropriate internet security filters are in place.
"Giving access to Wi-Fi has enhanced the care we can provide in our hospitals and made such a difference to patients and visitors," said Chief Executive Jill Ludford.
"Many of our patients are here for a large portion of their day while they receive their treatment. Internet access means they can pass the time quickly browsing the web, connecting on social media or watching movies via streaming services," Ms Ludford said.
"It also provides a great distraction from their treatment and they can do normal things like pay bills, shop online or keep up with work," she said.
"Access to Wi-Fi and the internet has become an essential part of everyday life, be it in our homes, schools, shopping centres and even on aeroplanes. So why not have the internet in hospitals," said Jason Matthews, Unified Conference, Collaboration and Wireless Program Manager for eHealth NSW, a specialist government agency that delivers information and communications technology solutions across the public health system.
The Wi-Fi service has been made possible by a $20-million injection of State funds for Wi-Fi in hospitals and eHealth NSW's work on building the Health Wide Area Network (HWAN).
The 2019-20 budget for Murrumbidgee Local Health District is over $641 million - an increase of more than $27 million on the 2018-19 budget.
Between mid 2012 and mid 2019 the Murrumbidgee Local Health District increased its workforce by an average of around 2.4% a year.
It put on 475 more full time equivalent staff, including 73 more doctors, 261 more nurses and midwives, and 103 more allied health staff.
