Preparing for a future, healthy Canberra

ACT Health Minister Katy Gallagher has announced $1.2 million to further examine future options to ensure the Territory can meet the health needs of the community into the future.

“The funding will enable the government to develop comprehensive data and other information to ensure ACT’s health services anticipate and respond to increases in demand for services in several areas,” Ms Gallagher said.

“There are number of emerging issues that will impact on the provision of health services in the ACT for future years,” she said.

“These include population growth, chronic disease, emerging technologies, workforce sustainability and, most importantly, the healthcare implications of an ageing population.”

The Minister acknowledged that the ACT’s health facilities are in good condition and have served the Canberra community well.

“For the future, however, we will certainly need to look at how we can augment our capacity to meet increasing demand for care of chronic conditions, cancer treatment, mental health services, acute inpatient and critical care.

“The government will identify emerging service delivery needs and how we can continue to provide appropriate health services within new models of care, whilst accommodating increased activity.”