Optus is proud to be the exclusive telecommunications partner for Starlight’s Livewire initiative which will extend the reach of Livewire’s hospital Bedside Access Program to 26 metropolitan and regional hospitals across Australia.
We have contributed funding and support to enable wireless internet connection initially in 15 wards at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, as well as the donation of 24 purposely built ‘Livewire On Wheels’ bedside hospital trolleys and we will help extend the program to a further 25 hospitals by the end of 2010.
What is Livewire?
A serious illness, chronic health condition or disability can profoundly affect the everyday lives of young people by increasing their risk of social isolation, disconnection and lower emotional well-being. These problems are compounded by long hospital stays.
Livewire.org.au, an initiative of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, is a safe and fun online community for young people, aged over 10 and under 21, living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability. It’s a place for them to hang out, chat online, support one another, creatively express themselves and know that they are not alone. Livewire aims to help reduce the isolation and loneliness these young people often experience
By using our technology, products and services, Optus is supporting Livewire to reduce the social isolation of young people living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability through the Livewire Bedside Access Program and Livewire Mobile site.
Livewire Bedside Access Program
With Optus funding and support, the Livewire Bedside Access Program will see 'Livewire on Wheels' bedside hospital trolleys available at the Children's Hospital at Westmead and portable laptops with 3G wireless internet connection and access to livewire.org.au available to a further 25 metropolitan and regional hospitals across Australia by the end of 2010.
The first hospitals to be rolled out following Westmead include:
- John Hunter Children’s Hospital (NSW)
- The Sutherland Hospital (NSW)
- Wollongong Hospital (NSW)
- Princess Margaret Hospital (WA)
- Gosford Hospital (NSW)
The remaining 21 hospitals are being finalised by Livewire and Starlight and will be updated on the website when it becomes available. The hospitals are selected by Livewire and Starlight according to a combination of factors, including the number of youth admissions and existing youth programs in the hospital. The 26 hospitals selected are located in both regional and metropolitan areas, providing young people with greater access to the program.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
Livewire Mobile
Young people can also stay connected to Livewire from any compatible mobile phone, no matter where they are via the Livewire Mobile site.
Optus is proud to be supporting this valuable program because we believe that when it comes to communication anything is possible.
To find out more about Livewire, visit www.livewire.org.au.
For more information visit the Starlight Foundation’s Website.
Find out how you can get involved in fundraising for Starlight through Connectember or find your nearest Optus Store to buy a donation card.