Better health and ageing for all Australians

Media Releases

Second round of coordinated care trials get the green light

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator the Hon Kay Patterson, gave approval today for six applicants to enter into final contract negotiations to run further trials of coordinated care.

In this section:

9 April 2002
KP28/02

Second round of coordinated care trials get the green light

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator the Hon Kay Patterson, gave approval today for six applicants to enter into final contract negotiations to run further trials of coordinated care.

"The trials will run for three years and will test innovative approaches to providing care for people who are chronically ill or disadvantaged and experience difficulties in getting the right combination of services at the right time," Senator Patterson said.

"There have been important changes since the first round of coordinated care trials. Some of the approaches explored in the first round of trials have become more commonplace since the introduction of Medicare rebates to support GP's in the management of patients who have complex health conditions. These second round trials will provide the opportunity to further explore and evaluate improved approaches to providing care for people who require a range of services", Senator Patterson said.

The trials selected will focus on coordinating and delivering health care services for people within our community who need to see their GP more frequently, perhaps also a specialist, and may also need a community nurse, respite care or other support services. Three of the trials will focus on delivering services for people within the general community and three will have a particular focus on the health care services for indigenous people.

"Trials such as these are an important opportunity for practical research and development, to inform future approaches to health and community services in Australia," Senator Patterson said.

"They demonstrate the commitment of the Government to working cooperatively with health services and with state and territory governments to explore new ways of funding and delivering health care," Senator Patterson said.

There were some fifty initial applications, and initial short listing was followed by an extended period of further development prior to final selection. The final six have been selected on merit as the best proposals to proceed to implementation, within the funding provided.

Successful contract negotiations will see a trial in each of six States and the Northern Territory.

Media Contact: Marnie Gaffney, Office of Senator Patterson, 0417 694 520, Peter Broadhead, Department of Health and Ageing, 02 6289 8458