Queensland Health has announced HEALTHQ32, the 10-year vision it has developed for the future of healthcare in the State.
In a statement accompanying the release, Director-General of Queensland Health, Shaun Drummond said Queenslanders would benefit from new models of care and services, better technologies and treatments, and stronger community partnerships to improve the patient experience and their health outcomes.
“HEALTHQ32 also aims to boost the health workforce across the State through increasing opportunities for staff mobility, developing new workforce models for surgical services, and partnering with universities to increase student intake,” Mr Drummond (pictured) said.
He said the initiative built on the $9.78 billion Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan and was developed in consultation with health workers, care partners, peak bodies and consumers.
“Consultation found changing community expectations, which meant there was a need to shift the health system’s focus from treating illness to maintaining wellness,” Mr Drummond said.
He noted the Department was already working on a number of measures aligned to HEALTHQ32.
These included increasing virtual health services to provide more care options closer to home; growing Rapid Access Services to streamline access to specialist care and reduce waiting times in emergency departments; and increasing access to urgent care through Satellite Hospitals.
“Queensland is also working with the Federal Government to establish 11 Urgent Care Clinics,” Mr Drummond said.
“HEALTHQ32 addresses the challenges all health systems across the globe are facing by reducing demand pressures, responding to workforce shortages, and managing rising costs, while improving access, equity and quality.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath said there were great challenges ahead in the health space.
“However, HEALTHQ32 is a clear demonstration of our commitment to our health system,” Ms D’Ath said.
Further information on HEALTHQ32 is available at this PS News link.
