State health plan provides direction for future

Healthcare is a primary area of concern particularly as the growing Australian population requires increasing levels of care. That's not to mention the expanding elderly community and its associated needs.

To address growing healthcare concerns in NSW, Health Minister Jillian Skinner has announced the launch of a new initiative. Called NSW State Health Plan – Towards 2021, the program is designed to address patient-centre care and future reforms over the next few years.

With the elderly population undergoing a period of constant growth across the country, plans such as this one will be needed throughout the other Australian states, too.

"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."

The benefits of the program will be felt in aged care facilities too, as treatment is set be focused on other areas outside of hospitals – with the aim of creating a more seamless care system.

"[We are] 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.

The recent NSW budget should ensure solid funding for this new plan at the budget announcement, almost $20 billion was allocated to health.

The plan is expected to be launched by Mrs Skinner at some point later in the year, once any key issues have been addressed.