DEVELOPING a local health workforce, improved care for Riverland communities and a focus on mental health are some of the priorities of a newly-released regional health strategy.
The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) unveiled its five-year strategic plan late last month after extensive consultation with communities, consumers, clinicians, staff and stakeholders.
RMCLHN chief executive officer Wayne Champion said the plan also included a focus on community health and aged care services, and providing quality Aboriginal health services.
“(This plan) is incredibly valuable,” he said.
“It sets the direction for the organisation in terms of understanding what our purpose is, what our vision is, what our values are, and what our strategic themes are that we’ll be working on in the next five years.
“Some of the things like our purpose, vision and values will be ongoing into future editions of the strategic plan.
“They may evolve over time, but aren’t likely to change radically.”
RMCLHN governing board chair Dr Peter Joyner said the plan identified goals and priorities for the network’s health services.
“The strategic plan focuses on growing our local health services and outlines key strategies that reflect our commitment to continue delivering high-quality health services to our communities,” he said.
“Our vision for providing care to people in our local communities includes boosting mental health, aged care, community health, acute care and Aboriginal health services across our region and providing high level care as close to home as possible.
“We would like to thank everyone who provided valuable feedback and shared their health values and priorities about future health services across our Local Health Network.”
Mr Champion said the plan identified a range of priorities that will help strengthen the delivery of health services.
“Throughout the consultation process, it has been our priority to work together with our clinicians and with our community members to ensure the plan is tailored to meet the needs of the local community,” he said.
“Key strategic themes outlined in the plan include caring for our communities, excellence in clinical care, local accountability and investing in our people.
“This is an important milestone for our Local Health Network and we are excited to share this plan with our community.”
A rolling three-year operational plan will be developed to implement the strategic plan.
“The operational plan will be developed ideally in time for the start of the 2021/22 financial year… which will outline the tangible things coming out of the strategic plan and those themes that we’ll be implementing or seeking to implement in the next 12 to 24 months,” Mr Champion said.