A new report aimed at strengthening Queensland’s health system has been released by Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath.
Ms D’Ath said the Report, Unleashing the potential: an open and equitable health system, would serve as a roadmap to further strengthen Queensland’s health system.
“We want to capitalise on the successful initiatives undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic to create an even better health system for all Queenslanders,” she said.
“Throughout the pandemic we’ve seen increased use of virtual care, more collaboration to develop new models of care and greater uptake of flexible work arrangements.”
Ms D’Ath said because of the pandemic, more staff had been empowered to work to their full scope of practice and there had been a reduction in bureaucracy and an increase in access to, and sharing of data.
“We’re now in a unique position to further develop and embed these innovations to unleash more positive change in Queensland’s public health care system,” she said.
The Report was authored by the Reform Planning Group (RPG), Chaired by Meegan Fitzharris and developed with input from clinicians, health experts, consumers, unions and other stakeholders.
It outlines an integrated set of recommendations which will harness the positive gains from the initial COVID-19 pandemic response and embed change by creating a more ‘open’ health system.
“Our health leaders and health workforce know that innovation is the key to delivery of quality healthcare,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have harnessed Queensland Health’s innovative spirit to continue to provide world-class health care during a public health emergency.”
Ms Fitzharris said input from the RPG and the subsequent report would act as a blueprint in delivering essential healthcare reform.
“The public release of this Report will initiate a broader conversation of how we can drive further reform of our health system, using the lessons learnt throughout the pandemic,” she said.
The report can be accessed at this PS News link.
