Statements of priorities for regional health services

For the first time, 10 sub-regional health services in medium to large Victorian towns have agreed to a Statement of Priorities (SOP) with the Department of Health.

While in previous years the Statement of Priorities has only been signed by the major metropolitan and large regional public health services, this year the process has been extended to include sub-regional health services.

The move will improve the ability of the department and those health services to work collaboratively throughout the year.

The sub-regional health services provide a range of services to meet the health needs of both their local population and a wider catchment community, which can vary between 55,000 and 80,000 people.

Statements of priorities are key accountability agreements between Victorian public health services and the Department of Health. They help to facilitate delivery of, or substantial progress towards, the key shared objectives of financial viability, improved access and quality of service provision.

A statement of priorities consists of three parts:

• Part A provides an overview of the objectives, priorities and outcomes the health service will achieve in the year ahead.
• Part B lists the key financial, service and access performance priorities and agreed outcome measures.
• Part C lists the activity targets and the funding provided.

Department of Health Secretary, Fran Thorn, said health service performance and activity in 2010-11 will be measured against the priority work areas and targets expressed in the Statement of Priorities.

"The development of the 2010-11 Statement of Priorities for sub-regional health services has been a collaborative venture.

"It is an excellent example of how the department and health services can work together to align policy priorities and service delivery with the aim of achieving better outcomes for patients", Fran said.

Further information

For specific information about the 2010-11 statements of priorities, visit the department's Your Hospitals website.