Priorities set for future care needs
Grampians Health is taking steps to develop master plans for its Wimmera campuses.
The ‘Grampians Health Infrastructure Plan 2023-43’, released in December, is a step towards the master plan development and will guide delivery of facilities to enhance access to care and provide care closer to home.
The infrastructure plan has three priority goals: Developing future-focused infrastructure to support healthcare services; enhancing technology, research and innovation to meet workforce and community needs; and demonstrating the responsible use of financial and environmental resources.
Chief redevelopment and infrastructure officer, Veronica Furnier-tosco, said Grampians Health Horsham campus officials were working with the Department of Health – one of 11 health services across the state – to develop Entity Services Plans, ESP.
“Entity service planning is a new process used by the Department of Health to provide direction, improve decision-making, and ensure the efficient use of resources, and this piece of work is an initial step before opportunities to undertake master planning can be considered,” she said.
“Horsham was chosen due to the size of the catchment population, and in recognition of the need for a review of current assets and infrastructure.
“A community survey was made available to the catchment population, and community consultation sessions were also held as part of the ESP in December.
“Feedback from the survey and consultation sessions will help inform the department’s ESP, which is due for release this year.”
Understanding the infrastructure requirements for the region’s future healthcare needs and priorities was among more than 200 recommendations listed in the health service’s 285-page Clinical Services Plan, released alongside its Strategic Plan in 2022.
Ms Furnier-tosco said the infrastructure plan’s release was an ‘exciting milestone’ for Grampians Health in ‘redefining’ the health care service’s landscape and enhancing patient care.
“Infrastructure is not just about buildings; it’s about building a better future,” she said.
“The infrastructure plan will undergo periodic updates every five years for the next two decades.
“These updates will consider shifts in the environment stemming from policy and planning endeavours, economic fluctuations, demographic trends and technological advancements.
“Each review conducted will also integrate modifications to service models and local requirements.”
Time capsule
Ms Furnier-tosco said staff contributed to a digital time capsule to mark the release of the infrastructure plan – writing a note or compiling images about their expectations of the health service by 2043.
“We are delighted that our staff have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback since the infrastructure plan’s release,” she said.
“The team is genuinely pleased to see the establishment of a comprehensive plan aimed at facilitating the creation of purpose-built facilities to elevate the standard of patient care.
“As we progress with our plans, we remain committed to actively seeking input from our staff to further refine and align our campuses with the envisioned future.”