Building a 21st Century - Primary Health Care System - Australia’s First National Primary Health Care Strategy
Moving to our 21st Century Primary Health Care System
The reforms being introduced by the Australian Government will transform what is currently a disparate collection of interdependent primary health care services into a more cohesive system, providing the opportunity to improve costeffectiveness and drive evidence-based clinical practice.
Underpinning the Strategy are new governance arrangements for the health system under the National Health and Hospitals Network, which will drive improved health outcomes for the community. Taking full policy and funding responsibility for primary health care means that the Australian Government will be able to draw services together so that they are better integrated, better coordinated and more responsive to consumer’s needs. Patients will find it easier to navigate the system.
Producing this level of change is significant and will require support and engagement across all levels of government, the private sector, the community and health professionals.
The Strategy recognises that these changes will take time - that new systems and infrastructure take time to implement and inevitably evolve over time - and that health professionals need support to develop new skills and new ways of working together. A key principle is to ensure that the quality and safety of our services is maintained throughout.
The implementation of the Strategy will include challenges: for health professionals and health care organisations to adopt new ways of working; for governments to develop new approaches, including to service delivery and aspects of funding; and for consumers to influence and engage with change.
The Strategy provides a sound basis for more detailed planning as the Australian Government takes on full responsibility for primary health care funding and policy. The key initiatives outlined will collectively drive major change across the system. Together, these changes will ensure a strong and effective primary health care system, underpinning a National Health and Hospitals Network for Australia's future.
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