The beginning of the new financial year marks the commencement of a number of the Federal Government’s initiatives under the national health reform program.

 

Measures beginning in 2011-12 include:

  • a new after hours GP helpline;
  • Telehealth—Medicare rebates for online video consultations for people in remote, regional and outer metropolitan areas of Australia;
  • the first 19 Medicare Locals which will workwith GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, Indigenous health organisations, Local Hospital Networks and other stakeholders to identify and respond to gaps in local health services;
  • the first group of Local Hospital Networks (LHNs)—NSW has already created 18 LHNs and all boundaries for LHNs in other states and territories have been agreed, with the exception of Victoria and WA. All remaining LHNs are expected to commence operations by 1 July 2012;
  • the establishment of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care as a permanent and independent body;
  • the development of personally controlled electronic health records (PCEHR) and testing of e-health infrastructure and standards in real world settings will continue in 12 sites across the country; and
  • the continuing introduction of GP Super Clinics to provide GPs, nurses, visiting medical specialists, allied health professionals and other health care providers and services in one convenient location.

 

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said other ongoing programs included work to introduce activity-based funding from July 2012 and report more information on hospital and Medicare Local performance, as well as the establishment of the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority and the National Health Performance Authority.

 

From 1 July, funding will be available through the Healthy Workers program to support healthy living programs in workplaces, particularly to reduce rates of overweight and obesity, increase levels of physical activity and the intake of fruit and vegetables, stop smoking and reduce harmful levels of alcohol consumption.

Funding is also being provided through the Healthy Children program to deliver programs for children aged up to 16 years to increase levels of physical activity and improve the intake of fruit and vegetables in settings such as child care centres, pre-schools and schools.

 

More information is at www.yourhealth.gov.au.