National Health Reform
Reforms are likely to create some opportunity for exercise & sports science professionals who work within the healthcare sector, providing services directly to Australians either through general practice, community services or the hospital system.
As healthcare professionals, it is important to remain pro-active in our understanding of these reforms and what is happening in our local community. As your peak body, we continue to advocate for and demonstrate the positive benefits creating a more active Australia will have on achieving a strong and healthier healthcare system.
| “The Commonwealth Government is committed to improving Australia’s health care system so that all Australians can access high quality services that meet their needs and the needs of their family.” |
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From Improving Primary Health Care for All Australians, used by permission of the Australian Government
The landscape for health services and their delivery within the Australian Healthcare System is changing. On the 2nd August 2011, all Governments signed the National Health Reform Agreement signifying their mutual intent to work in partnership, across all health sectors to improve health outcomes for all Australians.
Research informs us there is likely to be a strain on state and territory health services and their spending in future years. The government predicts an increasing cost and service burden on our health and aged care services due to our ageing population, improvements in medical treatment and a rising prevalence of preventable & chronic diseases, thus, the government has taken action to address these challenges early through their National Health Reform agenda.
As part of the National Health Reform Agreement, the Commonwealth, states and territories have agreed to major reforms to the organisation, funding and delivery of health and aged care. The agreement will improve access to care, drive improved efficiency, increase public information to enable comparison of health service performance and ensure more transparent funding of public hospitals based on services delivered and the efficient cost of delivering those services(1).
1. Text excerpt from www.yourhealth.gov.au, accessed 15th September 2011 from http://www.yourhealth.gov.au/internet/yourhealth/publishing.nsf/Content/nhra-agreement-fs
| Related Links |
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| Department of Health and Ageing – Health Reform Overview |