Clinical Networks Program

Victoria is committed to the ongoing development of the health system, to support the objective of achieving the best health and wellbeing for all Victorians. A component of the health system that enables health services to provide high quality and appropriate services is clinical networks.

Clinical networks are collaboratives bringing together health professionals, patients, consumers, carers and organisations to work across boundaries, applying principles of cooperation and partnership and focusing on patients to improve access, equity and quality of health care. Networks create awareness that all areas are linked within a coordinated system, with each part playing an important role.

Network history

The clinical network program was established in Victoria in response to recommendations from the Health Options Review of 2007, where networks were identified as one of a number of strategies to manage demand for health services and escalating costs. The networks were proposed as a mechanism for strengthening clinical and service provision, by bringing together groups of individuals from different organisations and professional groups to drive system change and improvement in the operational effectiveness and efficiency of public health services.

Since then, the department has established a number of clinical networks. Each comprises a range of stakeholders, including consumers and clinicians with the ability to influence the development and implementation of evidence based practice. The initial focus was on high-volume, high-risk clinical services, with networks now in the specialty areas of:

• cancer
• cardiac
• emergency care
• maternity and newborn
• paediatrics
• renal
• stroke
• palliative care (in development)

Clinical networks are still a relatively new concept for Victoria, so are at various stages of development compared to networks in other Australian states and internationally.  

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