Measuring healthcare spend in outcomes, ethical leadership in times of change and maximising Federal and Victorian reform opportunities were the key themes defining the opening day of the Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) Conference.
More than 350 healthcare leaders gathered today at the Sofitel Melbourne, to tackle the defining challenges and opportunities facing Victoria’s health system. On day one Victoria’s public health care CEOs, executives, board directors and policy makers heard powerful insights on the following:
The economics of health: how economic thinking has historically shaped health policy in Victoria and Australia and the systemic shift towards measuring healthcare spend in outcomes, over volume.
Ethical leadership in times of change: how healthcare leaders can lead with greater compassion and build trust in times of change.
Aged care reform: progress, opportunities and how both Government and residential aged care providers are preparing for the new right-based Act, including strengthening quality and safety and preparing for the new Support at Home program to help older Australians live independently.
Mental health reform: successes and the work still to be done, including achievements in embedding prevention, equity and lived experience at the centre of the new system, and the roll-out of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals providing more support for Victorians.
Gender equity in health – aligning strategies with the Gender Equality Act to drive systemic change and equitable outcomes for women, with exploration of the barriers and solutions to gender equity in leadership.
VHA CEO Leigh Clarke said that day one was packed with rich insights on the current state of the healthcare.
‘It is vital to bring together leaders to have these important conversations, to build shared understanding of how they can lead through increasing complexity and change. Particularly as we are navigating a period of extensive reforms at both a Victorian and Federal Government level,’ she said.
The final day of the Conference will focus on topics including leadership in health reform, preventative and primary care reform, and innovating funding, skills and systems needed to build strong regional and rural workforces. View the program here.
Quotes attributable to Leslie Cannold, Associate Professor of Ethics and Impact at the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership, Monash University
Dr Cannold’s presentation provided practical tips for healthcare leaders on the value of thinking slow, and the types of cognitive biases that can impact upon good leadership. She focused on the global challenge of declining social cohesion, with practical tips for how healthcare leaders and their workforces can use ethical frameworks to be "curious not furious" about divergent value positions amongst patients and staff.
‘At the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership – we’ve spent the past few years becoming experts in the causes of rising temperatures in the Australian community that are increasing the risks for frontline healthcare workers.
‘If we want to reduce polarisation, we must start by reducing contempt and increasing empathy and kindness – especially for those who don’t share our political or ethical views on difficult issues.'
Quotes attributable to Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Mental Health, Ageing and Multicultural Affairs
'Our government is delivering real, meaningful reform in Victoria’s mental health and aged care sectors – building systems that are accessible, responsive and inclusive for all Victorians.'
'Conferences like these are so important because they give us space to pause, reflect, and focus on the future of healthcare in Victoria – thank you to the VHA for bringing the sector together.'
The VHA Conference was closed out on Day one with the VHA Annual General Meeting. An exciting time for the organisation, with the membership passing resolution to amend the constitution and therefore amend the membership and board structure.
Quotes attributable to VHA CEO Leigh Clarke
‘In addition, this AGM represented the last meeting for Professor Sue Matthews as Chair of the Board. Sue has been a VHA Board Director for 11 years and Board Chair for 7. Her contribution to the VHA and to Victoria’s public healthcare sector is immense and the impact will be lasting.’
Quotes attributable to Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services
'I want to thank Professor Sue Matthews for her incredible contribution to the Victorian Health system in her role as Board Director at the VHA.'
'Victoria’s health system is full of full of talented, passionate and hard-working professionals – the VHA conference is a fantastic opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing across our system.'
For further information contact:
Toli Papadopoulos
0408 851 302
Visit our website: www.vha.org.au