The latest medical technology to help Australia cope with future demands on the health system was revealed last week at the Telstra Experience Centre.

Beijing-bound Olympian, Tony Schumaker, was present at the unveiling of the technology and tested an electronic stethoscope which allows doctors anywhere in the world to check a patient's vital signs.

Other technology unveiled included "smart house" sensor devices that can be used to keep track of grandparents in their homes and new technology that works on the home TV to allow patients to speak to medical staff and family members via a video call and which also reminds them to take their medicine.

Greater use of smart networked health technology is the key to meeting the challenges faced by an ageing population and greater demand for scarce resources. Already 9 percent of Australia's GDP is spent on health and that figure is rising every year. Care outside hospitals and residential facilities will take on more and more importance.

Telstra is committed to ensuring Australia is at the forefront in bringing cost-efficient medical solutions closer to the patient. We are joining forces with the world's best health application providers and we will leverage our relationships with health and medical professionals around the country to ensure that Telstra can help them provide better patient focussed care.

Telstra is best placed to help provide 21st century health technology to Australia's health sector given its investment in the high-bandwidth Next G™ network and Telstra Next IP™ network which allows for integrated systems.