Joint media release
Nicola Roxon MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Stroke Patients to Benefit from the National Broadband Network
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy, and the Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon, today said stroke patients would be among the first to benefit from the National Broadband Network (NBN).
The Ministers visited Neuroscience Research Australia in Sydney to inspect technology which will allow stroke patients to access rehabilitation, where therapy is currently restricted or non-existent.
"The NBN will change the way people in Australia live and work and today we are seeing how it will change the way health services are delivered," Senator Conroy said.
"Neuroscience Research Australia will deliver rehabilitation therapy via a project using remote Wii. The project will use Nintendo Wii to deliver rehabilitation to 50 people with stroke-affected hands and arms living in the Kiama Downs and Minnamurra region."
There are five areas which will be the first to receive NBN services across mainland Australia. Work begins to construct the network in the coming month, with the first services to be available from 2011.
Senator Conroy said the project was possible with the assistance of a generous donation by NBN Co CEO Mike Quigley.
"Mr Quigley has made a donation of $2m to Neuroscience Research Australia, and part of it will help fund the rehabilitation project."
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said the project demonstrated the possibilities of the NBN.
"Stroke is the second largest cause of disability in Australia and affects thousands of people and their families each year," Minister Roxon said.
"Stroke patients living in rural and regional areas often find it difficult to access rehabilitation services and this project will change that.
"The NBN will allow our medical practitioners to deliver care to patients in their home and for many people, it will make their recovery a little easier.
"I thank Mr Quigley for his generous donation and I look forward to the project getting started when the NBN is up and running in Kiama Downs and Minnamurra next year."
Date: 28 June 2010
Contact: Suzie Brady (Senator Conroy’s Office) 02 6277 7480
Mark Ward (Nicola Roxon’s Office) 02 6277 7220
