Specialist care reform blueprint

The Specialist care reform blueprint (the Blueprint) is our plan to improve Victoria’s specialist care system.

Enduring system-wide reform is needed to improve and strengthen the specialist care system, ensuring it better meets the needs of Victorians now and in the years ahead.

The Blueprint is informed by 12 months of research and consultation with more than 500 stakeholders across Victoria. It sets out:

• our aim for a transformed specialist care system
• 3 pillars of change to guide our focus
• 6 reforms that will help us achieve our aim

These reforms are based on evidence and build on work already happening in health services. By expanding these initiatives and improving consistency across the sector, we can create lasting change.

This will help more Victorians get the specialist care they need, when they need it.

Aim

All Victorians have access to integrated and responsive specialist care that consistently delivers safe, high-quality and equitable outcomes.

Pillars of change

The 3 pillars of change are broad areas of focus that underpin our system-wide aim, setting out three priorities:

• Responsive and high-value care
• Efficient and integrated services
• Strengthened stewardship

What this means for Victorians

The Blueprint aims to improve patient experience and outcomes by:

• reducing delays and unnecessary appointments
• making it easier to access specialist care closer to home, including through virtual options
• improving coordination across hospitals, primary care and community services

It supports a more connected, equitable and sustainable specialist care system.

What this means for the healthcare sector

For health services and clinicians, the Blueprint provides a unified statewide direction for reform. It aligns work already underway, supports more efficient pathways, reduces variation and helps clinical teams focus on high‑value care.

Working together to deliver lasting system reform

Lasting reform depends on working with the people affected and supporting those who deliver change.

As we implement the Blueprint, we expect:

• The sector to continue developing and delivering local solutions for each reform.
• The steward (the Department of Health) to set priorities, guide reform and support the system to deliver these reforms.

Strong communication and genuine partnerships are critical to success. Clear, consistent communication will help keep reform on track and support lasting change.

Aligning with Victoria’s health system vision

The Blueprint supports the department’s vision to deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time. It advances equity, supports care closer to home, drives innovation and strengthens system stewardship. It provides a practical roadmap for lasting specialist care reform in Victoria.