Health reforms a positive first step but key to good health is more than hospital investment
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‘VCOSS welcomes the health and hospital reforms announced through COAG yesterday as a positive first step, however there is more to health than hospitals,’ cautioned Cath Smith, Chief Executive Officer of VCOSS.
‘These reforms are a good start. The additional funding to improve hospital care and for mental health services for young people in the community is welcomed, as is the intent for these reforms to contribute to the improvement of health outcomes for Indigenous Australians. However there is more to good health than investment in hospitals.’
‘For the Federal and State Government to deliver improved health outcomes for Victorians, better coordination and linkages between the Local Hospital Networks and primary health services are needed. All evidence points to the critical need for improved coordination and integration across health services. There is nothing in this announcement to drive this.’
‘The new system must deliver improved health outcomes for all Victorians. Improved linkages to interrelated community services such as counselling, youth services, family violence services and drug and alcohol services are required, as are integrated partnerships around mental health and drug and alcohol services.
‘In implementing these reforms in Victoria, it is critical to build on the key foundations that Primary Care Partnerships and Community Health Services provide, particularly in the development of the Primary Health Care Organisations. Better integration of health services is essential to drive improved health equity for all Victorians.’
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VCOSS
Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
T: 03 9654 5050 F: 03 9654 5749 W: vcoss@vcoss.org.au E: vcoss@vcoss.org.au