Thursday's state budget will include $150 million to upgrade Tasmania's digital health infrastructure over the next four years.
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Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the commitment was part of the state's Digital Health Strategy to which more than $475 million will be allocated over 10 years.
He said the upgrades would allow better communication and information sharing between hospitals, general practitioners, and community health, allied health and specialist providers.
"In the first four years of funding, we will procure and trial a new centralised and secure electronic medical record system and launch a statewide patient record viewer that connects all public and private health and care providers," Mr Rockliff said
"Critically, this will improve access to up-to-date clinical information across a range of healthcare settings."
He said the provision of up-to-date data would allow clinicians to spent less time on administrative tasks and chasing paperwork.
Mr Rockliff said existing virtual care technologies, including telehealth, would be upgraded through the budget investment to allow more people to receive care within their home.
"In today's rapidly changing health environment, we recognise that modern digital health infrastructure is just as important as bricks and mortar, particularly as Tasmania's ageing population and increased rates of chronic disease are projected to drive increased demand for hospital care in the years ahead," he said.
The initial investment of $150 million will enable the development of a new Ambulance Tasmania integrated electronic patient care record system.
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Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
