THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health
and Regional Services Delivery
MEDIA RELEASE
23 October 2009
EMBARGOED – 1400hrs
REFORM WILL FOCUS HEALTH SYSTEM ON PATIENT NEEDS
The Rudd Government is committed to developing a patient centric health system where
patients are the priority of the health system, the Minister for Indigenous, Rural and Regional
Health, Warren Snowdon, said today.
Speaking at the Victorian Healthcare Association Conference in Melbourne, Mr Snowdon said
all Victorians, not just those living in Melbourne, would benefit from the reforms.
“Part of what we’re on about is refocusing the system to keep people healthy and well, instead
of just treating them when they’re sick, which is a more sustainable approach from every
perspective,” Mr Snowdon said.
“But we also want an integrated system that cares for patients seamlessly at any stage of an
illness or disorder, rather than giving people the ‘run around’ between various health services.”
The Minister said the Rudd Government had already made major investments to improve
hospital and health care in Victoria, but much more was to come in the broader reform process.
He said doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and specialists could all work together to
maximise patient access to the services they needed, whenever and wherever they needed them.
“This is precisely what will happen in the 36 ‘GP Super Clinics’ being rolled out by the Rudd
Government, the first of which opened in Ballan in September this year.
“In the meantime, we’re genuinely consulting the community and the sector about the National
Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s recommendations, along with those in separate
reports on primary and preventative health care.
“If you haven’t yet done so, I’d encourage everyone to go to our special health reform website
The Minister said the feedback the government received during this consultation phase would
help shape the design of its long-term health reform plan.
Media contact: Greg Doolan, 0433 345 323
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