Jillian Skinner med rel: NSW State Health Plan – Towards 2021

Health Minister Jillian Skinner today launched the NSW State Health Plan – Towards 2021 to guide future reforms in patient-centred care.

Mrs Skinner launched the plan while opening the annual NSW Health Symposium, attended by up to 500 clinicians, board members, managers and other health staff.

“At the heart of the NSW State Health Plan is a very simple principle: the delivery of the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” Mrs Skinner said.

“The plan offers a realistic framework for change, shaping what we need to achieve for our patients, whether they are treated in our hospitals or in the community.

“It underlines the importance of research and innovation and the changing requirements for our health workforce.

“It reinforces our central aim: keeping everyone – no matter who they are or where they live – healthy and out of hospital.”

The NSW Budget – which was handed down on Tuesday – delivered almost $20 billion to health. Recurrent spending in 2014-15 will total almost $18.7 billion, with a further $1.3 billion for capital works.

“As well as committing record amounts of funding to health – primarily for hospital care, for which the state is responsible – the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to providing more seamless care for patients, ranging from treatment by their GP, specialists, in hospital, at home or anywhere else,” Mrs Skinner said.

“It is about driving greater efficiency, providing care for our growing and ageing population and using resources wisely to deliver the highest quality care to all who need it, wherever they live.”

The NSW State Health Plan focuses on the vital role of integrated care.

“Last year, I was proud to launch the NSW Government’s $120 million integrated care strategy,” Mrs Skinner said.

“Integrated care brings together all providers, sharing resources and skills to deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“NSW Health is working towards creating partnerships with the private sector, not-for-profit agencies and the Commonwealth, among others, to achieve seamless care for patients.

“This whole of community approach allows patients and carers to easily navigate the health system, avoiding duplication and unplanned hospitalisations.

“And, as chronic conditions are expected to account for 80 per cent of the disease burden in Australia by 2020, integrated care ensures the most efficient use of resources to meet growing demand.”

Mrs Skinner said the NSW State Health Plan builds on the success of the devolved health system introduced in NSW by the Liberals & Nationals Government.

“For the last three years, we have focused on delivering patient-centred clinical care by empowering our Local Health Districts to make locally-appropriate decisions on services,” she said.

“The Whole of Hospital program is a key step in improving patient outcomes through locally-led services both within a hospital and in the community. It seeks to help local teams develop their own unique strategies to streamline existing processes and improve efficiencies.”