Strategic planning guidelines for Victorian health services

It is a legal requirement that Victorian public health services develop a strategic plan and submit for approval to the Minister for Health.

The Strategic planning guidelines for Victorian health services provide an overview of the theory and process involved in developing strategic plans. They also highlight the policy context for health services to consider when developing their plans, including:

• the goals and strategic priorities outlined in Health 2040
• the focus on preventing avoidable harm as recommended by Targeting Zero: the review of hospital safety and quality assurance in Victoria
• Victoria’s Ten-year mental health plan, which provides a long-term vision to improve mental health services and outcomes for Victorians with a mental illness.

Health services' strategic plans need to also take into account the broader planning reform currently underway, which is aimed at developing a statewide design, service and infrastructure plan for Victoria’s health system and the stronger need for integration and collaboration in health service planning and delivery at a local, regional and system-wide level.

More guidance on strategic goals and strategies will be provided as individual health services begin developing and consulting on their strategic plans.

Implementation priorities will be considered during the annual statement of priorities negotiation process.