Canberrans are being called on to contribute to the growth of new health facilities and services with ACT Health launching a plan to shape its future for the Territory’s public health services.
Welcoming the ACT Health Services Plan 2022-2030, Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Plan set out the priorities for Government-funded health services over the next eight years.
“As our population continues to grow and age, and as new technologies and opportunities become available, we need to ensure our health system continues to meet the needs of our community,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“This plan builds on significant consultation and investment over recent years to create a health system that is flexible, provides services that work together and delivers what people need, as close to home as possible.”
She said the implementation of the Plan would be supported by the Draft ACT Health Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, with the next phase of key stakeholder consultation now underway.
“This workforce strategy will ensure we develop the capacity and capability of our health workforce to support our growing healthcare system now and into the future,” the Minister said.
“We will work with stakeholders over the coming weeks and months to help us finalise the priorities of the strategy,” she said.
“We know that recruiting, retaining and supporting our doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and support staff is vital to delivering high quality patient-centred care.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said ACT Health was also seeking community views on healthcare access and design.
“We want you to have your say on the next stage of designing health services to be delivered under the plan, so we understand what’s important to you and your family,” she said.
“We want to know how services like a new northside hospital and more community-based health facilities can be designed to provide the best health outcomes for Canberrans.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said the consultation was open until 9 September and people who contributed would help the ACT build a modern, person-centred health system that was innovative, sustainable and accountable.
The 79-page Health Service Plan can be accessed at this PS News link and information on the public consultation at this link.
