Victorian Health System Review

Full description

Establishment of the Victorian Health System Review

The Victorian Health System Review was commissioned by the Minister for Health in February 1991.

This Review was the first comprehensive review of the Victorian health system for fifteen years. In that time there had been substantial changes in medical technology, medical treatments and medical practices. The Commonwealth Government's National Health Strategy, which was a fundamental examination of Australia's health system, also provided impetus for the review .

The Minister also appointed a Consultative Panel to advise and assist the Review.

Role of the Victorian Health System Review

On page 18 and 19 of the Victorian Health System Review's Final Report of February 1992 the Review's terms of reference are set out. They were to:

1. Examine the structure and management arrangements of the publicly funded health industry in Victoria.

2. Examine how the Health Department Victoria relates to the publicly funded health agencies.

3. Examine the interrelationship and linkages in the planning and management of the networks of health services ensuring continuity of care, effectiveness and efficiency among:

all acute health services, including acute psychiatric, geriatric assessment and treatment and patient transport;
community based health services of all kinds;
residential care services of all kinds;
rehabilitation services of all kinds;
local government services;
sector health service providers;
public health programs;
health promotion programs.

4. Consult with the health industry, the community, employee and professional associations.

5. Make recommendations for consideration by the Minister on appropriate changes including an implementation strategy outlining costs and benefits, and taking into account any relevant outcomes of the National Health Strategy.

Processes Carried Out by the Victorian Health System Review

Initially the Review appointed a consultancy firm to provide information on the trends of healthcare administration interstate and overseas and how these may be applied to Victoria. The consultants also provided information on the financial arrangements of the Victorian health system.

An issues paper was prepared and distributed to health agencies, associations and members of the public.

The Consultative Panel appointed by the Minister met regularly with the Review and provided input to various issues addressed by the Review. The Consultative Panel also aided in the production of the Review's Interim Report.

Public meetings were convened throughout Victoria and submissions based on the issues paper were called for by the Review. The Review also had meetings with representatives of major health agencies to discuss the Review. After considering the outcome of these meetings and the submissions the Review presented an Interim Report to the Minister in August 1991. The report addressed the first two terms of reference and showed the direction the Review was taking. The Interim Report was subsequently released to the general public in November 1991.

After the release of the Interim Report the Review convened a second round of meetings throughout Victoria. Further submissions were received addressing points raised in the Interim Report.

The Victorian Health System Review's final report was presented to the Minister in February 1992. The final report contained fifty-nine recommendations and was released to the public in July 1992. The incumbent government agreed to most of the recommendations without comment although it expressed reservations about some of the recommendations.

As at July 1993 it appears that no action has been taken to implement the Review's recommendations.