Strategy for Planning Country Health Services in SA
SA Health, Government of SA.
Government of South Australia
Welcoming the Strategy, Health Minister John Hill said, "country communities now have a tool to help plan how best to deliver the services they need - releasing this document is just the beginning of the work for Health Advisory Councils. They will be consulting with their communities and health professionals, and using the information supplied by CHSA and the Strategy to design health services for the next ten years." Full Image (6.3K)
The Strategy for Planning Country Health Services in South Australia (the Strategy) has been developed following extensive discussions and consultation with rural and regional residents and health professionals over a period of six months. It is clear that there is a real need to improve health outcomes for country people.
Funding for country health has already increased by 55 per cent since 2002, ensuring the continued delivery of acute medical and primary health care services, the provision of more elective surgery closer to where people live and sustaining the health workforce. In partnership with the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency, new ways will be developed to attract more doctors to the country and replace General Practitioners who retire or leave country communities.
This Strategy is intended for use by local communities to develop long-term service plans for their hospitals and health services. This ground up approach will ensure communities have their say in how health care is delivered in their towns and regions. Health Advisory Councils will play a pivotal role by engaging and consulting with local people and health professionals to ensure their wishes are considered in wider health planning.
