The ACT Government has released the final report into Designing ACT health services for a growing population. It says the report will guide and inform the design and development of the ACT’s health services.
The report is based on community consultation between August and December 2022, which focused on eight key areas, including coordination of care, access to services, and the new northside hospital.
Participants outlined difficulty in understanding what services are available and where. This feedback will inform how the government communicates services in the future, making it easier to navigate and promote services across the ACT health system.
The report also identified strong support for community-based services and more options to access virtual care.
The feedback will be used to plan public health services, including the northside hospital and new Health Centres opening across the ACT.
ACT health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government was committed to delivering services that put consumers, families, and carers first.
“People receive care in many ways, be it through their GP, pharmacist, private specialists and allied health, in hospital, at our Community Health Centres or at our Walk-in Centres,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “People’s health care needs change over time, and they access different services through all stages of life.”
The community provided feedback through a YourSay survey, community panels, or in-person or online activities for the new northside hospital.
“Through this engagement,” Ms Stephen-Smith said, “Canberrans had the opportunity to share their experiences and perceptions of health services across the ACT. This included providing feedback on the services and facilities that may be required in the years to come.
“The findings in this report give us an even better understanding of what Canberrans want and need from public health services in the ACT.
“We will continue to invest in the services and infrastructure needed to ensure we can meet the growing needs of our community and provide Canberrans with access to the right care, in the right place and at the right time.”
