One system, many people: How can we work together to make it happen?
Tasmania’s health and social care systems are undergoing significant change.
The Federal and State governments have imposed reforms across the primary health, hospital and aged care sectors which claim to be aimed at providing sustainable, high quality, streamlined care which is “person-centred” and provided “in the right place at the right time by the right person”.
At the same time, Tasmanian service-providers and consumers alike are grappling with how they implement and interact with advances in technology and new ways of working.
But, hang on … haven’t we been here before? And if it didn’t work then, why should it work now?
Health and social care services are about more than bricks and mortar, equipment, strategies and policies. They’re nothing without the people who shape them and deliver them.
Sound policies and plans are critical to successful reform. But if we’re really serious about achieving a single health system for Tasmanians, with strong links to aged care and community services, it’s the people who will make it happen. Health professionals, health experts and advocates need to be working as a team – communicating, collaborating, integrating and embracing innovation. And engaging with consumers to make person-centred care a reality instead of just a buzzphrase.
Can we do it? Are there examples of how it’s already being done well? And what will it take for us to get where we want to be?