1: Quality Health Care

To ensure all Canberrans have timely access to acute and primary health care and that health care focuses on early intervention and prevention and is grounded in the principles of well-being and safe and respectful patient care.

Other Information:

Most people in the ACT enjoy the benefits of good health; as a community we are generally very healthy and active and avoid risky behaviour. The ACT Government aim to build upon these strengths in the future, and to ensure that all Canberrans have timely access to primary and acute health care. The ACT has embarked upon an ambitious plan to reform health care, designed to meet our needs in the next decade and beyond. The ACT Government is also working with the Federal Government and other jurisdictions, through the Council of Australian Governments, to make major improvements to the acute and primary care sectors for the benefit of all health care consumers. The ACT is reviewing its current mental health legislation with the aim of developing modern laws that comply with human rights legislation. In addition, the ACT Government is developing a new Mental Health Services Plan to provide the strategic direction for mental health services in the ACT to 2020. Both processes involve consultation with consumers, carers and mental health professionals. The health care reforms will be underpinned by the principles of well-being, holistic care, early intervention and prevention, safe and respectful patient care, and the concept of the right care, in the right place, at the right time. The reforms will position the ACT to respond to the impacts of an ageing population and rising health care costs, together with the challenges presented by national and international workforce shortages. Strategic Progress Indicators • Reduce waiting times (elective surgery, dental and emergency department) • Improve level of satisfaction with public health services • Exceed Australian average in participation in sport and physical activity • Reduce percentage of cigarette smokers • Exceed Australian average life expectancy • Reduce the proportion of low-birthweight babies.

Objective(s):

1.1: Health Care

1.2: Health Facilities

1.3: Access Health

1.4: New Era of Cooperation on Health Care

1.5: Health Workforce Strategy

1.6: Primary Care, Early Intervention and Prevention

1.7: Early Childhood Health and Vulnerable Families

1.8: Chronic Disease Management

1.9: Mental Health Strategy

1.10: Health Services for Older People

1.11: Anti-Smoking Reforms

1.12: Drug Strategy

1.13: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility

1.14: Pandemic Planning

1.15: Recreation

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