ACT Health has formally been divided into two organisations with Canberra Health Services (CHS) and the ACT Health Directorate officially launched this week.
Under the new arrangements, CHS will be responsible for the delivery of public health services across the ACT and the ACT Health Directorate will have responsibility for policy advice and plans for the future.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris said the transition to two organisations was a fundamental evolution in the delivery of public health services in the ACT.
“We are future proofing our healthcare system to better respond to our city’s current and future needs as Canberra grows,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“This transition brings us closer into line with all other Australian jurisdictions, and we will keep evolving and improving as a health system so that Canberrans continue to get the world class health care they expect and deserve.”
She said CHS would have full responsibility for the operation of public health services, including Canberra Hospital, the University of Canberra Hospital, the growing network of Walk-in Centres, community health centres and the Hospital in the Home program.
“The leadership team at CHS will be able to solely focus on service provision and will make decisions on the way these services are delivered,” Ms Fitzharris said.
She said the ACT Health Directorate would be the steward of the health system.
“It will be responsible for providing strategic policy advice to Ministers, developing plans for the future health needs of the community, developing plans for the prevention of disease, modelling demand for and supply of health services and leading workforce and clinical training strategies.
“The Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing will sit within the Directorate, as will the Office for Clinical Leadership.”
Ms Fitzharris said the Directorate would also play a leading role in supporting the growing medical and health research sector.
