The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) is calling on all major parties to address inequities and challenges facing the healthcare system as the federal election approaches.
“The future of Australian health care should not be defined by our challenges, but by how we respond to them, with people and communities at the centre,” says AHHA CEO Kylie Woolcock.
“This will require government and policymakers to consider our health system as a whole – and question the processes by which we currently manage, fund, deliver and receive care.”
In an election statement released today, AHHA has outlined key priority areas for health system reform. Shifting to a more outcomes-focused, value-based health care requires a government that will:
• Measure and report what matters by developing a National Health Information Strategy,
• allowing access to timely, high-quality data to support better care and system-wide
• improvements.
• Build a sustainable and resilient health workforce incentivised to achieve person-centred
• care and meet population needs.
• Provide stewardship and support that enables regional innovation and reform.
• Use funding models that incentivise improved health outcomes for people and communities.
“Our next Federal Government must operationalise key policy approaches to health care that provide value over volume,” continued Ms Woolcock.
“It is vital they focus on the population’s health, while ensuring that people and communities, including our most vulnerable populations, are placed at the centre of care.”
“Understanding what really matters to people and how the Australian healthcare system can respond innovatively and sustainably is essential for meaningful health system reform, and we are calling on all parties to rise to the challenge.”
