Call for ideas to modernise Victoria’s health complaints arrangements
Minister for Health David Davis today called for submissions into a review that aims to modernise the way health complaints are resolved by the Health Services Commissioner. This review is important to ensure we have a complaints process that is more responsive to people's needs and that enables improvements in health services for all Victorians.
At Parliament House, Mr Davis launched a discussion paper for the Review of the Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act.
"We need to modernise our approach to the management of health service complaints to have a smooth, swift and cost-effective health complaints system," Mr Davis said.
"The role of the Health Services Commissioner, who is responsible for receiving and resolving complaints from people who use health services, was established 25 years ago.
"Since then, the health system in Victoria has undergone significant growth and change.
"The aim of this review is to ensure Victoria has a best practice model for health complaints resolution and that timely use of complaints information leads to better quality and safety outcomes for health service users."
The review is being overseen by an expert review panel led by Russell Kennedy and law firm principal Michael Gorton and includes representatives of health service providers, health service users and clinical experts.
A discussion paper has been developed to provide information about the review and the key issues being considered by the panel.
Mr Davis said the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to improving every Victorians healthcare experience.
"The current Health Services Commissioner, Beth Wilson, has been reappointed to the end of 2012 to continue until the Review is complete," Mr Davis said.
"Beth has been the Commissioner since 1997 and is advising the panel on key issues, drawing on her experience.
"Unlike some other Australian jurisdictions which have an adversarial focus, in Victoria we have a conciliation based process. Beth has been a great champion of this model."
The closing date for submissions is Friday 3 August 2012.
For a copy of the discussion paper and details on how to submit your response, visit the Department of Health's website at www.health.vic.gov.au/hscrareview, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (03) 9096 0263.
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