WACHS Strategic Plan 2019-24: Message from the Chair
I am extremely proud to introduce the WA Country Health Service Strategic Plan 2019–24.
As a starting point, it undertakes the recommendations of the State Government’s Sustainable Health Review, with its principles of person-centred care, partnerships, clinical excellence and investment in emerging technologies.
WA Country Health Service and the Board provided significant input into that review and we welcome the opportunity to cement our commitment to achieving its aims.
This plan is the result of months of consultation, reflection and debate among country people and our staff from all over the State.
It also aims high – unapologetically high. The rapidly changing technological environment is providing unprecedented opportunities to think innovatively about how to deliver healthcare to regional and remote communities. The massive WACHS infrastructure program has delivered a vital network of contemporary, technologically-enabled healthcare hubs. We have a workforce of thousands of amazing and dedicated people who are excelling in healthcare every hour of every day, committed to making a difference. There has never been a better time to make a significant impact on the health of country residents, now and for the next generations.
Decades ago, ‘the year 2020’ was only ever used in science fiction to refer to a time so far into the future that it was almost impossible to imagine. Today, the year 2020 is only months away. In regional and remote healthcare, the possibilities are already in our hands. The WACHS Strategic Plan 2019-24 will help us deliver those possibilities for the regional communities of Western Australia.
Professor Neale Fong
Chair, WA Country Health Service Board