It is the long term that matters — not a quick fix
Kevin Rudd’s election commitment in November 2007 to take over the funding of public hospitals and fix them has led to a bold and courageous plan,1 unveiled after a 15-month review by the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) and further extensive consultations. Some pillory the delay, but with such a complex system and so much at stake, caution is admirable. The real questions are whether the solution offered on 3 March 2010 for public hospitals1 will work, and what problems will it solve? Further debate is urgently needed.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Rudd K. Better health, better hospitals: the national health and hospitals network. Speech to the National Press Club, 3 March 2010. http://www.pm.gov.au/node/6534 (accessed Mar 2010).
- 2. National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission. A healthier future for all Australians: final report June 2009. Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing, 2009. http://www.yourhealth.gov.au/internet/yourhealth/publishing.nsf/Content/nhhrc-report-toc (accessed Mar 2010).
- 3. Van Der Weyden MB. The Bundaberg Hospital scandal: the need for reform in Queensland and beyond [editorial]. Med J Aust 2005; 183: 284-285. <MJA full text>
- 4. Joseph AP, Hunyor SN. The Royal North Shore Hospital inquiry: an analysis of the recommendations and the implications for quality and safety in Australian public hospitals. Med J Aust 2008; 188: 469-472. <MJA full text>
- 5. Ombudsman Victoria. Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 report of an investigation into issues at Bayside Health [parliamentary report]. 29 October 2008. Melbourne: Ombudsman Victoria, 2008.
- 6. Australian Government Treasury. The 2010 intergenerational report. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia, 2010. http://www.treasury.gov.au/igr/igr2010/ (accessed Mar 2010).
None identified.