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Leading the way in health care reform
At a meeting of the Australian Health Minister's Conference, health experts presented their findings on how to improve health outcomes and redesign health systems to be more patient focussed.
27 September 2002
Leading the way in health care reform
At a meeting of the Australian Health Minister's Conference, convened in Melbourne today, health experts presented their findings on how to improve health outcomes and redesign health systems to be more patient focussed.
In April this year, Australian Health Ministers commissioned work into nine specific health areas, being the continuum across preventative, primary, chronic and acute care; improvement of the interface between aged and acute care; cross-jurisdictional collaboration on workforce, training and education; the interaction between hospital funding and private health insurance; improvements in Indigenous, mental and rural health; quality and safety, information technology and research.
The findings of these groups will underpin negotiations for the next Australian Health Care Agreement, due to commence on 1 July 2003.
Victorian Minister for Health and Chair of this research process, Mr John Thwaites commented that in the past, health reform efforts have often focussed on funding requirements rather than improving health outcomes.
"In partnership with clinicians, health managers and other key experts, we have developed a reform agenda which will ensure that all Australians continue to receive the highest quality care," Mr Thwaites said.
Today is an important step for the Australian health system. I welcome the dialogue that has occurred between all of the States, Territories and the Commonwealth, which has provided a common vision for Australia and look forward to continued national cooperation to deliver reforms.
Health Ministers acknowledged there have been dramatic changes in health care in recent years but the funding models supporting health care have not changed.
The reform agenda developed by Health Ministers today tackles the issues of:
- Improving the interface between hospitals and primary and aged care services;
- Achieving continuity between primary, community, acute, sub-acute, transition and aged care, whilst promoting consumer choice and improved responsiveness. Initial priorities for a stronger continuum of care approach will be cancer care and mental health services;
- Establishing a single national system for pharmaceuticals.
Ministers have directed further work to translate these reforms into action. The Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council will develop an implementation strategy for Ministers' consideration at their next meeting on 29 November 2002.
"We will continue to consult with the clinical co-chairs of the reference groups in developing the next Australian Health Care Agreement," Mr Thwaites said.
Ministers thanked the chairs and members of the reference groups for their role in advancing health care in Australia.
Ministers also agreed to the public release of the report from the Reference Groups.
The report can be found on the Federal Department of Health and Ageing website at: www.health.gov.au/haf/ahca.htm
