Victoria's rural and regional health plan released

21 December 2011

Minister for Health David Davis has launched Victoria’s vision for the future development of health services in rural and regional Victoria with the release of the Rural and Regional Health Plan.

The plan outlines directions and actions aimed at improving the Victorian health system so that all rural and regional Victorians have access to the best possible healthcare outcomes.

In addition to releasing the Rural and Regional Health Plan, Mr Davis said health services were now invited to apply for grants from the $56 million Rural Capital Support Fund.

The plan provides greater certainty to rural and regional Victorians about what they can expect from their local health services and the broader health system.

"Each rural and regional community in Victoria is unique. The plan acknowledges the unique features of these communities, and provides a platform to improve services for rural and regional Victorians," Mr Davis said.

"By 2022 our aim is to have a system that is more effectively planned to meet the changing needs of rural Victorians and one that has the capacity and capability to deliver innovative, informed and effective healthcare that is responsive to people's needs," Mr Davis said.

The Rural and Regional Health Plan: Technical Paper was also released. The paper provides comprehensive information about the rural and regional health system including demographic and health needs analysis, service and access utilisation data and Victorian population health status indicators data.

The Technical Paper utilises substantive and updated population data to provide for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the health issues facing rural and regional Victoria.

The release of the Rural and Regional Health Plan builds on the Victorian Health Priorities Framework 2012-2022 released in May 2011, and aligns key directions and actions to the seven priorities outlined in the framework.

Further information

For further information and to download the plan, visit the Victorian Health Plan website.