Victoria’s health system is building on strong foundations as it responds to the needs of a growing and changing population. Lasting, system-wide reforms are strengthening health policy, planning and service delivery. As demand increases and becomes more complex, Victoria continues to improve care through a skilled health workforce and growing digital capability.
The sector continues to benefit from advances in technology, high standards of care, and expanding services and supports. Demand is especially visible in emergency care, where high patient volumes and pressures continue to affect timely access to care. At the same time, the system continues to improve health outcomes for Victorians through better coordination and innovation.
Improving patient flow remains a key focus because it supports shorter wait times, smoother ambulance to hospital handover and more timely care, while helping make the best use of available workforce and capacity. This includes improving timely access to emergency department care, strengthening urgent care in the community through Urgent Care Clinics, improving access to planned surgery, and specialist and outpatient care.
Supporting these improvements over the long term also depends on sustainability. This means making the best use of available funding, with clear responsibilities, strong oversight and a continued focus on delivering safe, effective care. By supporting health services to deliver efficient and sustainable services, we ensure these improvements are maintained. Strengthening financial sustainability supports a resilient and high-performing health system into the future.
Delivering these priorities relies on a skilled, capable and well-supported workforce. Our health workforce is at the heart of the system, and their expertise, commitment and care make reform possible. Building a sustainable workforce means strengthening training pathways, supporting wellbeing and safety, and continuing to attract, develop and retain staff - particularly in rural and regional communities and specialist areas. Team-based models of care also play an important role, helping multidisciplinary teams work effectively together to meet the needs of Victorians.
Victoria’s population is ageing, driving increased demand for aged care, community supports and health services. Supporting older Victorians to age well includes strengthening residential aged care, expanding community-based supports, and enabling more people to receive care in their homes or communities. This includes initiatives such as delivering hospital-level care in aged care settings, improving safety and quality standards, and supporting independence and participation through community programs, helping older Victorians remain connected and live well.
Reform is also continuing across mental health and wellbeing, building on the significant progress made following the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. Priorities include improving access, strengthening community-based care, and improving connections between services so people can access the right support at the right time, including following hospital care. This includes progressing mental health and wellbeing reform, strengthening Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, and continuing initiatives such Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention and response.
Reducing the incidence and impact of AOD relation harm in Victorians and over the longer term continues as a key focus including delivering key actions of the Statewide Action Plan harm reduction initiatives.
Major hospital infrastructure projects are progressing across Victoria. New and expanded hospitals will add capacity and improve access, while ongoing investment in health infrastructure is delivering modern, safe and fit-for-purpose environments. Bringing these services into operation requires coordinated effort to ensure they are ready to deliver care, with the workforce, systems and models needed to meet growing demand.
At the same time, care closer to home continues to expand. Virtual care, including the Virtual Emergency Department, is supporting significant volumes of care and providing advice and treatment when it is safe to do so. Over the year ahead, we will expand the Virtual Emergency Department, continue the virtual hospital pilot, expand new models of care for chronic disease management, and broaden community pharmacy care. Together, these initiatives will improve access to care and support care closer to home, where appropriate. This work also supports prevention and public health by helping people access advice, screening, treatment, and support earlier, reducing avoidable illness and unnecessary hospitalisation. Our next Digital Health Roadmap will further support this work by strengthening the foundations for safe, connected care.
Supporting children and families remains a key part of strengthening long-term health outcomes. Victoria’s statewide maternal and child health services provide universal access to early health, developmental and parenting support. These services play a critical role in giving children the best possible start in life, supporting early intervention and improving outcomes for families, particularly those with more complex needs.
Local Health Service Networks are being embedded to support more joined-up care. They support stronger coordination, shared planning and more integrated care across regions. This creates clearer pathways for patients and more consistent service models across local areas, while helping services work together on workforce and sustainability challenges.
At a broader system level, stewardship is being strengthened through clearer roles, shared accountability and more connected planning with health services and partners. Better use of data and evidence supports shared understanding of system performance and where support can have the greatest impact. This creates a stronger foundation for consistent approaches across the system that improve access, safety and outcomes for Victorians.
Improving Aboriginal health and wellbeing remains a core priority. Work continues in partnership with Aboriginal communities and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector to support self-determination, strengthen cultural safety, and improve outcomes for First Peoples. This includes delivering cultural safety priorities linked to Treaty and the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Equity remains central to all reforms, helping ensure care is accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of all Victorians, including people in rural and regional communities, multicultural communities, and people with disability. This includes targeted work to improve access to women’s health care, helping more Victorians access timely, affordable and appropriate care across a broader range of reproductive and women’s health needs.
Together, these priorities support a connected, culturally safe and sustainable health system. By continuing to strengthen services, workforce capability, stewardship and access to care, we can help ensure Victorians receive the care they need, when and where they need it, and achieve better health outcomes into the future.
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