15 November 2019

Easier check-ins at Canberra Hospital with new digital kiosk

| Dominic Giannini
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Digital kiosk

A hospital worker using the new digital kiosk. Photos: Supplied.

Electronic kiosks to help patients check-in and navigate appointments are the latest digital fix to help reduce waiting times at Canberra hospitals.

Launching the new Queue Management and Electronic Wayfinding on Tuesday, ACT health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith says she wants to reduce the angst felt by patients by making information more accessible.

“The new kiosks will be the first port of call for many people visiting health facilities like the Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital and our Community Health Centres at Phillip, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and Belconnen,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“Visiting a hospital can be an anxious time. If you are a patient or visitor, navigating your way through a hospital, checking-in for an appointment or knowing how long you will be there can often be quite overwhelming.”

Ms Stephen-Smith says the implementation of digital kiosks in hospitals across the ACT is part of the governments 10-year Digital Health Strategy. The strategy aims to introduce and improve information technology within the health sector before 2029 to handle the rising demand from an increase in residents and an ageing population.

“These kiosks are one way the ACT Government is providing easily accessible information across our health system.”

Patients can now check-in without having to go to reception as Ms Stephen-Smith says the kiosks provide user-friendly and intuitive technology people are familiar with.

“Consumers have been closely involved in this project to ensure it reflects what patients, families and carers need, and I thank the Health Care Consumers Association for its ongoing collaboration in the continued improvement of Canberra’s health services.”

Rachel Stephen-Smith and staff at the launch

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith (middle) standing with hospital staff and personnel.

The kiosks are already in community medical centres and have just been installed in Canberra Hospital.

“People have walked away really happy, not needing help to do it, just intuitively understanding the technology,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

Chief Information Officer of the ACT Health Directorate Peter O’Halloran is focusing on improving the usability and convenience of the health system for the public, making it easier for people to access information and medical professionals.

“These new systems add to other recent digital initiatives, such as the ACT Health app, and are making information about public health services and how to use them more accessible for the community,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“We are focussed on improving the experience health consumers have when accessing the health service.”

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