HOSPITAL SERVICES REPORT : METROPOLITAN HEALTH CARE SERVICES- NOV 96

A Healthier future-A plan for metropolitan health care services

The Metropolitan Health Care Services Plan was released by the Premier and the Minister for Health on 17 October 1996. The Plan represents the culmination of over eighteen months of detailed planning by the Metropolitan Hospitals Planning Board, the Government and Health Care Networks. Significant changes in the age and distribution of Melbourne's population, and advances in technology and health care practice, necessitated a review of the way in which health care services are provided so as to locate services closer to where people live. Advances in Technology and Health Care Practice

Advances in technology and health care practice

Reduction in length of stay and growth in same-day diagnostic and surgical procedures represent a significant shift in service delivery. As the need for inpatient care declines, some of the services provided by hospitals in the past will be provided from smaller purpose-built facilities, called integrated care centres. The Plan includes a commitment by Government to establishing six new integrated care centres.

Day procedures as a proportion of total inpatient activity

Source: Department Human Services, 2001 projection Department Human Services estimate

Continuing downward trend in average length of stay¹

¹ All hospitals public and private, excluding acute health psychiatric services.

Source: VIMD