Where next for health care in Victoria?

Drinks with Dr Stephen Duckett AM & Michael Gorton AM

Hosted by Prof Vin Massaro

The government has indicated that it would like to see a restructuring of the Victorian hospital system, including amalgamations to reduce the number of independent services and the linking of hospital services to promote collaboration. This would create a more efficient system to serve the needs of all Victorians. Having made the announcement, no plan has yet been publicised, although Hospital Boards have been asked to suggest options. Fears have been expressed that any major changes could affect the availability of services in outer Melbourne and the regions.

To lead a conversation on this crucial issue, we are fortunate to have Melbourne Forum members, Dr Stephen Duckett AM and Michael Gorton AM, who each have a wealth of experience in Victorian, federal and international health systems, and have been involved in major reforms in the past. They will provide both an assessment of the proposed reforms as well as indicating how such reforms could be introduced and implemented for best results.

Dr Stephen Duckett AM has held senior health care leadership positions in Australia and Canada, with a reputation for creativity, evidence-based innovation and reform in areas as diverse as hospital funding (introduction of activity-based funding for hospitals) and quality (new systems of measurement and accountability for safety of hospital care).

Michael Gorton AM is the Principal at Russell Kennedy Solicitors, Chairperson at Patient Review Panel (IVF legislation), President at the National Ageing Research Institute a Board Member of the Agency Management Committee at Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, Vice-President at International Alliance of Law Firms and a Board Member at Melbourne Health. Michael has previously served as a Board member at the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, Chair at VARTA and President at the United Nations Association of Australia.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity.