The South Australian Government has announced its formal response to the recommendations of the McCann review of the state’s non-hospital based services.

The Review of Non-Hospital Based Services review focused on the efficiency and effectiveness of metropolitan non-hospital based services.

State Minister for Health, Jack Snelling, said that once implemented, the recommendations of the review will achieve $14.6 million in annual savings, and see 105 full time positions cut by 2014-15.

Mr Snelling said that the Review was needed to assess if the services were helping South Australians manage chronic disease, stay out of hospital and improve community health.

“The way many primary health care services are delivered has changed significantly in recent years,” he said.

“We need to ensure our resources are delivering the right services in the right areas, and complementing those of other government agencies and NGOs, rather than duplicating them.

“The public consultation generated over 270 submissions, including comments, opinions and suggestions from the public, staff and unions.”

The supported recommendations include:

  • Developing a single integrated metropolitan Youth Primary Health Service targeting vulnerable youths.
  • Developing a single integrated metropolitan Women’s Primary Health Service targeting high-need vulnerable groups.
  • Consolidation of the Aboriginal Workforce Initiative
  •  The transition of some health promotion programs, such as Community Foodies, to other service providers, including NGOs.