The ACT Government has released a plan this week to shape the future of public health services for a growing population in the Territory and surrounding region. All Canberrans can their say on the next steps in planning for new facilities and services.

The ACT Health Services Plan 2022-2030 sets out the priorities for Government-funded health services over the next eight years.

Health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the plan is another step towards a more integrated and sustainable health system for the Canberra community.

“As our population continues to grow and age, and as new technologies and opportunities become available, we need to ensure our health system continues to meet the needs of our community,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“This plan builds on significant consultation and investment over recent years to create a health system that is flexible, provides services that work together and delivers what people need, as close to home as possible.”

The Government seeks community views on healthcare access and design.

“We want you to have your say on the next stage of designing health services to be delivered under the plan, so we understand what’s important to you and your family,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“We want to know how services like a new northside hospital and more community-based health facilities can be designed to provide the best health outcomes for Canberrans.

“By having your say, you will be helping to build a modern, person-centred health system that is innovative, sustainable, and accountable.

“Please get involved in this consultation through the YourSay survey, our community panel, and pop-up consultation sessions.”

The implementation of the ACT Health Services Plan will be supported by the Draft ACT Health Workforce Strategy 2022-2032. Its next phase of key stakeholder consultation started this week.

“This workforce strategy will ensure we develop the capacity and capability of our health workforce to support our growing healthcare system now and into the future,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“We will work with stakeholders over the coming weeks and months to help us finalise the priorities of the strategy. We know that recruiting, retaining, and supporting our doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, and support staff is vital to delivering high quality patient-centred care.

“The strategy sits alongside the urgent work we’re doing on workforce wellbeing and recovery – developing a multi-year investment that will support our public health workforce with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic now and into the future.

“We have already committed significant investment towards growing our hospitals and health services across the Territory, and the Government will continue to invest to support health care workers, consumers and their families.”

Consultation on accessing healthcare and designing future health services for the ACT is open until 9 September. For more information and to take part in consultation activities, visit the YourSay page.