Paediatric

The Victorian Paediatric Clinical Network (PCN) will be established in early 2009 and will progress the priorities arising from the development of the Strategic Framework for Paediatric Services in Victoria.

The broad objective of the PCN is to progress a coordinated approach to planning, development and delivery of state-wide paediatric services in order to meet the increasing demand for both specialist and general services.

The project will progress through several phases:

Phase One:  In the lead up to the establishment of the PCN, the Strategic Framework for Paediatric Health Services in Victoria was developed. A draft of the discussion paper was published online in January 2009 and all stakeholders were notified and invited to provide comment and feedback. The framework details the vision and principles to guide the future development of paediatric health services in Victoria. The framework will align health services with children’s services across both state and local government, along with communities, including schools.

Phase Two:  Already well progressed, this entails defining roles and responsibilities between the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and the Monash Medical Centre (MMC) in the provision of tertiary paediatric services.  A joint RCH/MMC and DHS Paediatric forum was established along with renal, cardiac and neuroscience workgroups.  These groups meet regularly to better clarify the roles of the two tertiary children’s services with particular emphasis on high complexity, low volume services.

Phase Three:  The establishment of the PCN will facilitate the integration of all elements of paediatric services state-wide.  Integral to the PCN will be the appointment of a Paediatric Clinical Lead and the Paediatric Leadership Group. The Clinical Lead will provide clinical advice, leadership and assist with shaping the strategic direction of the clinical network. Recruitment of the Clinical Lead is underway and the role will commence in May 2009. Once the Clinical Lead has been appointed, the Paediatric Leadership Group (which will be representative of all areas of paediatric health, including consumers) will meet on a regular basis to steer the PCN and progress the priorities as set out in the Strategic Framework for Paediatric Health Services in Victoria.

Further Information

Contact:
Sue Morgan
Ph: 9096 5227
Email: sue.c.morgan@dhs.vic.gov.au         

^ Top