Ongoing Policy

Aim

Governance and reforms

The Governance policy monograph (2009) influenced the outcomes of the NHHRC process and continues to form the basis of AHHA’s response to the NHHN reforms. 

Community and Primary Health

The Community and Primary Health Care policy paper (2008) formed the basis of AHHA’s submission to the Primary Health Care Taskforce and continues to influence our response to the NHHN reforms.  The AHHA is particularly focused on ensuring that community care is well funded and fully integrated with hospital services.

Managing Acute Care Demand

The Managing Demand for Acute Care policy paper (2009) continues to be influential in forming the basis of AHHA’s response to the NHHN reforms.  The AHHA aims to ensure implementation of the innovations considered in the paper as well as raising awareness of the efficiency of public hospitals in meeting demand, given limited resources.

Multi-Purpose Services (MPS)

The MPS issues paper (2009), developed in conjunction with Australasian College of Health Service Management, featured a series of Case Stories identified as best practice MPS models.  Each case is of value in identifying critical success factors for an evaluation framework. 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

The AHHA continues to work with clinicians to re-establish MBS items for HBOT treatment of non-healing wounds (non-diabetic and radiation treatment related).  Currently our application is being heard by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC).

E-health

The AHHA continues to promote funding and implementation of e-health solutions, using our Information Management Policy Paper (2008) as a basis.  The Association strongly believes that specific funding for e-health workforce and training is essential.

Translating policy into practice

Disparities in Hospital Treatment for Indigenous Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

Partner - Heart Foundation

The AHHA developed a monograph in 2009, in conjunction with the Heart Foundation, which is the subject of ongoing development and advocacy in the context of the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign.  The AHHA aims to develop and test best practice national guidelines to improve hospital care for Indigenous patients (ACS and beyond).

Campaigns

Oral/Dental Health

Supported by the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA)

The AHHA has maintained an ongoing high profile campaign for three years, promoting a public dental care system as a high priority.

To alter the Dental Board's registration standards in relation to therapists and hygienists.

The AHHA developed a policy monograph outlining recommendations of practical policy options for oral and dental health nationally. Click here for downloading the Oral & Dental Health Policy 2008.

Research

Culture Change in Health

Partners - UNSW Australian School of Business & Queensland Health

To seek Australian Research Council funding (as an industry partner) to research factors which impact on employee satisfaction and health outcomes. 

New Policy

Aim

Employment of refugees and migrants in health services

Partner - Australian Multicultural Education Service (AMES)

The AHHA is developing policy in 2010 aimed at developing socially responsible policy for employing refugees in the health sector and raising awareness of the issue.

End of Life (EOL)

Partner - Palliative Care Australia (PCA)

The AHHA is working with PCA to develop policy which aims to raise awareness among all health sectors and the community of EOL and to improve health sector approaches to caring for people at the end of their lives.