A new era in healthcare for Canberra


Released 02/10/2018

A new era for public healthcare in Canberra has begun, with the transition of ACT Health into two organisations – Canberra Health Services and ACT Health Directorate.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris today visited the University of Canberra Hospital (UCH), Canberra’s newest public hospital, to talk about the transition.

“I’d like to thank and pay tribute to the thousands of hard-working staff who make up our wonderful healthcare system for their continued dedication and professionalism as we make this very important transition,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“Because of their efforts I am pleased to say that this transition has been a seamless one for patients, consumers and their families.

“People visiting our public hospitals, our popular Walk-in Centres or accessing the many community-based health services that we offer will continue to be seen by the same hard working and dedicated people who make up our health system.”

Minister Fitzharris said the transition to two organisations was a fundamental evolution to the delivery of public health services in the ACT.

“We are future proofing our healthcare system to better respond to our city’s current and future needs as Canberra grows.

“This transition brings us closer into line with all other Australian jurisdictions, and we will keep evolving and improving as a health system so that Canberrans continue to get the world class health care they expect and deserve.

UCH successfully meets accreditation

UCH opened in July 2018 and was recently accredited, as part of ACT Health’s accreditation, against the first edition of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (National Standards) until July 2021.

“On conclusion of the survey, positive preliminary assessment findings were provided by the assessor who congratulated the staff at UCH on the exceptional work undertaken to ensure consumers continued to receive safe and effective care during the relocation of services to UCH.

“The Final Report received by ACT Health on 8 September 2018 found a number of excellent attributes at UCH including exceptional building design, community engagement, a positive staff culture, a truly multidisciplinary, person-centred approach to rehabilitation and excellent use of patient journey boards, which staff at UCH should be very proud of,” said Minister Fitzharris.

New Health website launched

Minister Fitzharris said Canberrans would see the benefits of the transition with the launch of a new website www.health.act.gov.au today making it easier for the community to access information.

“This new website brings information on the ACT public health system together on a single site so the community can access information in one location, including information on Calvary Public Hospital,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“The new website is also the first step in providing better, more meaningful information to the public, with work underway to improve access to health data online as well.

“I look forward to making further announcements about these improvements as this work progresses,” said Minister Fitzharris.

Visit the new look health website at www.health.act.gov.au

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Claire Johnston

(02) 6205 0022

0452 597 459

clairev.johnston@act.gov.au


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