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Welcome to AHHA News! Our new monthly email newsletter will bring together all the latest news from the Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association (AHHA), the Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research and the Australian Centre for Value Based Health Care (ACVBHC), as well as showcasing the work of our members.
Now combined into one newsletter, we'll also bring you updates on policy and advocacy, the latest news and announcements of government, as well as upcoming AHHA events and training opportunities.
With the recent release of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report, AHHA has welcomed the Government’s commitment to a staged approach that will build multidisciplinary models of care around the needs of individuals and communities with complex and chronic conditions, but it is clear there is still much work still to be done in how this shift occurs.
Our policy and advocacy are driven by the views and experiences of our diverse membership, spanning the hospital, primary health, community care and research sectors. Please get in contact if you would like to understand how you can engage more in our work.
From the CEO’s Desk
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About AHHA |
The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) is Australia’s national peak body for public and not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare providers.
Our board includes: |
Chair - The Hon Jillian Skinner (Independent) Dr Michael Brydon (University of Notre Dame) Ms Lynelle Hales (Sydney North Health Network) Ms Yasmin King (SkillsIQ) Professor Wendy Moyle (Griffith University) |
| Ms Susan McKee (Dental Health Services Victoria) Dr Kim Webber (cohealth) Mr Michael Culhane (ACT Health Directorate) A/Prof Anthony Schembri (St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney) |
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AHHA News |
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The Health Advocate Magazine: Close the Gap |
The February 2023 issue of The Health Advocate is dedicated to closing the health equity gap experienced by First Nations Australians, and how entities within the health system are contributing towards this vital goal. This Issue features articles from the Co-Chairs of the Close the Gap Campaign, the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) as well our members, who are doing crucial work in this space. |
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| In the News | In a recent article for The Conversation, inaugural Deeble Institute Fellow, Professor Henry Cutler, talks about the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce recommendations and reforming Medicare towards paying for value.
AHHA also featured in an article from the Guardian on the new Taskforce report. |
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Member profile: Dental Health Services Victoria |
Susan McKee
Chief Executive Officer at Dental Health Services Victoria
Susan Mckee is an AHHA board member and Chief Executive Officer at Dental Health Services Victoria.
Starting her career as a Registered Nurse, Susan said that it gave her the profound privilege of bringing new life into the world and holding people’s hands as their lives ended. It instilled in her a determination to reduce the burden of poor health in society by ensuring everyone has the knowledge, skills, care and support to live a healthier life. Susan made her transition into management, working up from General Manager and Director of Nursing at Calvary Health Care to CEO roles at West Moreton Hospital and Health Service and now Dental Health Services Victoria.
Dental Health Services Victoria Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) is the leading public oral health agency in Victoria. It provides oral health services through the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and by purchasing dental services for public patients from over 50 Community Dental Agencies across Victoria. DHSV implements state-wide oral health promotion and prevention programs, invests in oral health research, advises the government on oral health policy and supports the education of future oral health professionals.
DHSV are also recognised leaders in VBHC in Australia and internationally having won the prestigious international Value Based Health Care prize in 2022 and the Australian Centre for Value Based Health Care Innovation award in 2021. DHSV is utilising the principles of value-based health care to transform the way oral health care is delivered, measuring outcomes that matter to patients, shifting care to prevention and early intervention, ensuring the right care is delivered by the right person in the right location and reducing unwarranted variation. |
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| 2023-24 Pre-Budget Submission | In our pre-budget proposals AHHA called for investment in the leadership to align approaches for the necessary health system reform in delivering the outcomes that matter to people and communities, sustainably and equitably. Specifically AHHA advocated for: funding for a whole of health workforce strategy, a 10-year roadmap for introducing scalable value-based funding models, and a platform for cross-sector collaboration and capacity building for outcomes-focused, value-based health care through place-based initiatives.
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| AHHA Response to ACSQHC Sustainable Healthcare Module | As a long-term advocate of reducing the environmental impact of the health system, AHHA welcomed the development of the Sustainable Healthcare Module highlighting its value as a tool to support healthcare services to embed structures and processes focused on improving the outcomes that matter to people, communities and the planet.
AHHA provided feedback on the need for clarity around the term sustainability within the Module, a stronger focus on partnerships throughout the document and the need to ensure sustainability was considered across the entire pathway of care. |
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| AHHA Submission on the Role and Functions of an Australian Centre for Disease Control | AHHA supported the introduction of an Australian CDC highlighting the need for an independent agency to provide leadership, strategic coordination and advice on communicable and non-communicable disease prevention, promotion and protection.
The CDC should become a central credible intelligence agency, with an understanding of the existing capabilities, data and evidence, and the authority to bring this all together to coordinate a consistent national approach to national health threats and emergencies when required. |
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AHHA response to the Inquiry into universal access to reproductive healthcare, Read Submission.
AHHA Submission on the Draft Australian Cancer Plan, Read Submission.
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About the Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research |
Established in November 2011, the Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research is the research arm of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA).
At the Deeble Institute, we develop and promote rigorous and independent research that informs national health policy. Our goal is to make evidence the cornerstone for health policy development in Australia. We do this by connecting researchers, policymakers and practitioners and by creating opportunities to translate research into good health policy and practice.
The Deeble Institute's Advisory Board consists of eminent academics and representatives from the health services and systems research sector. |
Chair Prof Anna Peeters (Deakin University) Dr Paul Scown (Independent) Dr Megan Campbell (AusHSI, QUT) Prof Wendy Moyle (Griffith University) |
| Dr Carolyn Stapleton (ACN) Prof Michelle Lincoln (University of Canberra) Prof Kate White (University of Sydney) Prof Yvonne Zurynski (Macquarie University) |
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L- R: Deeble Summer Scholars - Ms Breanna Weigel (Griffith University), Dr Natalie Winter (Deakin University); Jeff Cheverton Memorial Scholars - Dr Terry Ho (University of Canberra), Mr Connor Gleadhill (University of Newcastle); HEAL Scholar – Ms Hasini Gunasiri (Deakin University) |
2023 Deeble Scholarship Program |
Aimed at high achieving PhD students and Early Career Researchers, the Deeble Scholarship Program supports scholars to establish connections with policymakers and practitioners working in their field of research; and to produce an Issues Brief that engages health policy leaders in an area of national health policy significance.
Selection of recipients is based on both a formal academic ranking process, as well as forward looking at the health policy environment.
2023 HEAL Scholarship
In 2022, AHHA awarded its inaugural HEAL Scholarship to Dr Kristen Pickles to develop the Issues Brief ‘Decarbonising Clinical Care in Australia’. This prestigious award has been established through sponsorship from the NHMRC Healthy Environment and Lives (HEAL) Network to assist to educate and train emerging research leaders in strategic health policy and advocacy in the area of climate and health.
In 2023 the HEAL Scholarship has been awarded to Ms Hasini Gunasiri (Deakin University).
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| HEAL Scholarship (Sponsored by the Healthy Environment and Lives Network)
Ms Hasini Gunasiri (Deakin University) Promoting mental health in changing climate: Children and young people as a priority population
Jeff Cheverton Memorial Scholarship (sponsored by Brisbane North PHN and North Western Melbourne PHN)
Dr Terry Ho (University of Canberra) Reinforcing the role of eye care practitioners in falls prevention among older adults
Mr Connor Gleadhill (University of Newcastle) Strengthening physiotherapy’s role in primary health care for chronic conditions -------------------------------
Deeble Summer Scholarship (Sponsored by HESTA)
Ms Breanna Weigel (Griffith University) How patient experiences can guide the development of health policies for Post-COVID Condition in Australia
Dr Natalie Winter (Deakin University) Healthcare communication with carers for optimizing patient outcomes |
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Articles of Interest |
Data-driven identification of post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection subphenotypes This paper used machine learning to compare cohorts suffering from long COVID; identifying distinct characteristics associated with subphenotypes of the condition. To access this article, click here. |
Navigating the micro-politics of major system change: The implementation of Sustainability Transformation Partnerships in the English health and care system This paper investigates how health and care leaders navigate the micro-politics of major system change in the NHS. To access this article, click here. |
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 | Improving Safety For E-Mobility Users in Queensland
Despite being enjoyed as a cheap and easy to use form of transport, the adoption of e-mobility has led to increases in injury presentations at Emergency Departments (EDs), especially for head and upper body injuries. Soon after e-scooters were launched locally, the Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation, in partnership with the Jamieson Trauma Institute, commenced a collaboration with researchers from major Hospital EDs in Brisbane to better understand injuries related to e-mobility. | |
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follow the Deeble Institute on socials |
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Australian Health Review is an international, peer-reviewed journal that publishes contributions on all aspects of health policy, management and governance; healthcare delivery systems; workforce; health financing; and other matters of interest to those working in health care. In addition to analyses and commentary, the journal publishes original research from practitioners – managers and clinicians – and reports of breakthrough projects that demonstrate better ways of delivering care.
Australian Health Review explores major national and international health issues and questions, enabling health professionals to keep their fingers on the pulse of the nation’s health decisions and to know what the most influential commentators and decision makers are thinking.
The journal can also be accessed via the AHHA homepage. |
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Capital Shuffle |
There have been some recent changes to the federal government's health portfolio, with several key senior public sector appointments including -
Department of Health and Aged Care: Blair Exell appointed to Deputy Secretary Health Strategy, First Nations and Sport, and Mary Wood to First Assistant Secretary, Health Systems Strategy. Paul McBride moved to First Assistant Secretary Benefits Integrity. Sarah Hinde - promoted to assistant secretary, programs and engagement, Office for Women. Matthew Short, Nikolai Tsyganov, Mary Warner, Caroline Turnour were all promoted to assistant secretary. New appointments within the Office of Health Protection. Bindi Kindermann - appointed to Assistant Secretary, Primary Health Networks.
Other: Professor John Skerritt to retire from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Dr Stephen Duckett, Christine Kilpatrick, Richard Taggert were added to the board of Healthdirect Australia. The federal government has appointed an National Women’s Health Advisory Council to tackle 'medical misogyny', the council’s responsibilities include promoting better health outcomes for women and girls and ensuring their care is better tailored to their needs.
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| Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report | Earlier in February, the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce released their first report, outlining four key recommendations that are targeted at increasing access to primary care, encouraging multidisciplinary team-based care, modernising primary care, supporting change management and cultural change. You can read AHHA's response to the report on the AHHA website. |
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Value based health care |
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About the Australian Centre for Value-Based Health Care (ACVBHC) |
The Australian Centre for Value-Based Health Care (ACVBHC) was established in 2019 as a central agency to provide thought leadership and build capacity to support Value-Based Heath Care (VBHC) implementation in Australia. The Centre was established to address a need for a national entity to amplify, advocate and facilitate a nationally consistent approach to the development and implementation of place-based, outcome focused value-based health care initiatives.
The ACVBHC brings people together from across Australia and internationally, around the shared goal of creating a value driven health system. It does this though fostering networks of collaboration, sharing practical VBHC examples, disseminating the latest research and evidence and partnering with services to support VBHC implementation.
The strategic direction of the ACVBHC is determined by the ACVBHC Advisory Board consisting of leading health care and health systems experts: |
Dr Deborah Cole, Chair ACVBH Dr Heather Buchan, ACSQHC Ms Gillian Giles ACSQHC Dr John Slater SA Health Dr Rachel David, PHA Dr Paresh Dawda, Prestantia Health Professor Michael Pervan IHACPA Professor Christobel Saunders Royal Melbourne Hospital Ms Cassandra Bennett, Consumer |
| Mr Peter Maree Department of Health, Tasmania Mr George Leipnik, NSW Health Ms Olivia Pantelidis, Department of Health, Victoria Dr Helen Brown, Queensland Health Adj Prof Louise Stone, ANU Hon Jillian Skinner, AHHA Chair |
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AHHA Response to Treasury Consultation Measuring What Matters |
In the 2022-23 October Budget the federal government announced it commitment to measuring what matters, moving beyond traditional macroeconomic indicators and consider broader social and environmental factors that influence quality of life and wellbeing.
This month AHHA provided a response to the Treasury consultation on the development of the Australian well-being framework to Measure What Matters demonstrating how value- based health care (VBHC) presents a framework to measure what matters in health.
The submission highlighted the ACVBHC and emphasised the significant work that is already underway within the health system to reorient the way that measurement is perceived and implemented to focus on the outcomes that matter to people and communities, arguing the importance of leveraging this existing expertise to enhance rather than duplicates efforts to measure what matters in the health sector. |
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| Person-centred care in practice | In our work engaging with services and health professionals around Australia seeking to implement VBHC one question that we repeatedly hear is how do we ensure people and communities are embedded at the centre of the care we provide? What are the practical strategies and techniques that we can use to engage with consumers?
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Heath Care is currently hosting a free webinar series promoting successful projects or initiatives that demonstrate practical examples of person-centred care. |
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| The webinar series presents an opportunity to hear from industry experts about everything from practical guidance and implementation to improved outcomes through real-life case studies. |
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Articles of interest |
Change in costs to funders of maternity care over time: an analysis of Queensland births (Article may be paywalled for non AHHA members) This paper compares the change in costs for mother and baby from birth through to 12 months for births across Queensland over time. To access this article, click here. |
Implementing a web‑based system of screening for symptoms and needs using patient‑reported outcomes in people with cancer This article evaluates the implementation of a web-based system of screening for symptoms and needs in people with diverse cancers in a general hospital in Australia. To access this article, click here. |
Measuring what matters: refining our approach to quality indicators In this editorial, authors attempt to define a core set of questions that could help to shape and refine the core features of an indicator set. To access this article, click here. |
Strategies to reduce waiting times for elective care This report explored the approaches, spanning the past 20 years across 15 countries, that have been used in England and elsewhere to reduce waits for elective care through an extensive review of published literature. To access this article, click here. |
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follow the ACVBHC on socials |
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Events |
Free webinar: Providing the health system with a strategic voice in vocation education and training |
| Date: 23 March 2023 Time: 12 noon - 1:30 pm (AEDT)
Join us for a panel discussion on the importance of VET in health workforce development. How do we as industry drive collaboration across sectors, address strategic workforce challenges and ensure qualifications are developed and updated faster to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system in caring for Australians? | |
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Australian Healthcare Week 2023 |
| Date: 23 March 2023
Australian Healthcare Week (AHW) is the largest and leading Healthcare exhibition bringing together the entire health ecosystem. | |
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Feature video |
The Journey of ACAT to VBHC: Co-designing a community centred, culturally safe model of care |
Supported by HESTA this webinar features discussions on the system and service level challenges and enablers encountered by ACAT when co-designing a new model of care to better meet the needs of remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. |
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