CSIRO and Telstra Health forge strategic alliance in digital health

Digital & Innovation: The country’s national science agency, CSIRO, has announced a new partnership with Telstra Health which aims to propel the integration of digital health solutions, promising tangible advancements across the Australian health and aged care systems.

The signing of a strategic relationship agreement between CSIRO and Telstra Health marks a pivotal moment in leveraging collective expertise, networks, and cutting-edge products. The alliance seeks to pioneer initiatives fostering digital connectivity in healthcare, bolstering a new era of innovation and efficiency.

“This partnership with Telstra Health will facilitate access to our digital health tools and platforms by the people who can most benefit from them,” stated Dr David Hansen, CEO of CSIRO’s Australian e-Health Research Centre (AEHRC). “From the development of standards and interoperability to active engagement with academic, industry and other partners we believe our partnership can develop solutions to improve health outcomes.”

The joint effort builds upon a robust history of successful collaborations between CSIRO and Telstra Health. Their past endeavours include spearheading the modernisation of digital health infrastructure, providing strategic support for the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) Accelerator Program, Sparked, and evaluating the transformative impacts of aged care programs.

“We have seen a huge acceleration in the adoption of digital health solutions over the past few years,” remarked Elizabeth Koff AM, Managing Director of Telstra Health. “This non-exclusive agreement will accelerate further adoption, foster innovation and lead to real improvements in Australia’s health and aged care systems.”

The partnership’s strategic significance extends to the existing collaborative hub at the iQ precinct in Westmead, Western Sydney. This co-location initiative brings together industry leaders, CSIRO, healthcare professionals, and academic pioneers, fostering an environment primed for accelerating digital health breakthroughs.

Telstra Health is focussing on delivering “digital health solutions that clinicians value with robust clinical governance oversight”. The organisation has reappointed Professor Michael Kidd AO to the Telstra Health Board, following his resignation in 2020 to take on his role as the Commonwealth’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Professor Kidd was most recently Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Principal Medical Advisor for the government, in addition to his role as the Foundation Professor of Primary Care Reform at the Australian National University.

Ms Koff added “Professor Kidd’s deep experience will complement the already strong clinical presence on the Telstra Health Board.”

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